The Communication Workshop: The Journalist's Creed

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Journalist's Creed

I BELIEVE in the profession of Journalism.

I BELIEVE that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

I BELIEVE that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy, and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I BELIEVE that a journalist should write only what he or she holds in hisor her heart to be true.

I BELIEVE that suppression of the news for any consideration other than the welfare of the society is indefensible.

I BELIEVE that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocket is as much to be avoioded as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I BELIEVE that advertising, news and editorial colums should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single stabdard of helpful truth or cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I BELIEVE that the journalism which succeeds best - and best deserves sucess - fears God and honours man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power.

I BELIEVE that the journalism which succeeds best is constructive and tolerant but never careless; self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid; is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamour of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so an equal chance.

I BELIEVE that the journalism which succeeds best is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international goodwill and cementing world comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

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The Journalist's Creed was written after World War 1 by Dr Walter Williams. Dr Williams was Dean of the renowned School of Journalism at the University of Missouri 1908-1935.
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See more articles at http://thecommunicationexperts.blogspot.com

The Communication Workshop is an international media and communications consultancy which offers specialist training in broadcast journalism, media relations, public speaking, crisis communication and strategic communications.

Write to us at thecommunicationworkshop@gmail.com or humejohnson@gmail.com

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About The Communication Workshop

Welcome to THE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP! This is a training series designed for Executives and other working professionals who wish to speak with confidence, communicate with influence and improve their knowledge of the broader communications industry. Our training components include 'Public Speaking'; 'How to Handle Media Interviews' 'How to prepare and give a Powerpoint Presentation' and "How to Write Effective Speeches, Media Releases etc" as well as thematic areas such as Understanding the Media; Launching a Public Relations Campaign; Political/Public Affairs and Business Communication. We also train professionals in Issues Management; Crisis Management as well as Risk Communication, Crisis Communication Planning and how to effect Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies.

The Communication Workshop is also a valuable resource for information, articles and useful tips suitable to professionals in careers in which effective communication is crucial – customer service, human resource management, marketing, public relations, advertising, politics, business administration, journalism, security, sport and entertainment.

The consultant trainers are Dr. Hume Nicola Johnson, Journalism and Communication Professor at James Cook University, Queensland, Australia, Dr Clover Baker Brown, Maryland, and Dr. Nickesia Gordon, Communications Professor at Barry University, Florida, United States.