The First Amendment, protecting freedom of expression from abridgement by any law guarantees to the people through their press a constitutional right, and thereby places on newspaper people a particular responsibility.
Every effort must be made to assure that the news content is accurate, free from bias and in context.
And that all sides are presented fairly.
Reporters should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Significant errors of fact, as well as errors should be corrected.
Case in point:
New Albany district shuffle set for first vote Thursday
By Eric Scott Campbell
'If the redistricting ordinance passes in that matter, before Nov. 6 election, it would present an odd scenario. The law would take effect immediately, moving voters in six of New Albany's 34 precincts--10, 11, 19A, 19B, 26 and 28 -- to new districts.'
Good try Plaintiffs!
It is our understanding that the new redistricting, if approved, would not take affect immediately. As printed in a local newspaper Tuesday Oct. 16, 2007. Voters WOULD NOT be moved immediately to new districts causing voters confusion.
The local newspaper article stated that "voters would have to choose candidates in their old districts."
The local newspaper needs to get their "facts straight" before they go to print!
Is this another example of local newspapers misleading the public?
Absolutely!
We suggest that the local newspaper print a "correction" on this Oct. 16, 2007 article.
Freedom of Speech would like to say:
It is well known that the voters are fed-up with the political mess in our community. Voters are reluctant to go to the polls and newspaper articles like this discourage voters even more.
Freedom of Speech also suggest that the local newspaper do their homework and research.If the Lawsuit Plaintiffs wanted to create an election mess...they have achieved their goal!
"A newspaper produces two kinds of influence, societal influence, which is not for sale, and commercial influence, or influence on the consumer's decision to buy, which is for sale. The beauty of this model is that it provides economic justification for excellence in journalism."
~ Hal Jurgensmeyer
