The Press: Invitation to Critics

As the principal watchdog in the house of freedom, the U.S. press feels free to bark at anybody. And critics who call it to heel can expect to get bitten. As a result, thought Managing Editor James S. Pope of the Louisville Courier-Journal, the press is spoiled: in its daily performance there is much to criticize, but there is little sound criticism of the press. Last week Editor Pope went recruiting for knowing critics.

A newspaper's claim to the protection of the First Amendment, Pope told a University of Michigan audience, rests on its role as a common carrier of vital information:...

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