WARNING: in the following article some readers may detect signs of self-delusion, or even self- aggrandisement, or both. Cynics may even accuse me of soppy idealism. But here goes.
The part newspapers play in society has evolved into a fairly complex affair, with many apparent contradictions. But through centuries of tradition, newspapers have established a voice. Or, more accurately, many voices. Which is a good thing.
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spapers today still have a role as a kind of bridge. Part of what we do allows the opinions of ordinary people, and by that I mean anyone who is not part of the ruling establishment, to tell politicians and other elements of the establishment exactly what they think about the many issues that arise. Point out injustices and the just plain wrong.
We can also take up those issues and become a campaigning force. And in that role over many years there have been some successes. While I would never want to overestimate our ability to change things (I’ve been in newspapers too long) we can have an influence, an impact. It is one part of the role we play, it has been hard-won and is jealously protected, and needs to be exercised with a realistic caution. But we think it is important that we exercise it. However, Michael Dick of Edinburgh thinks we have been overdoing it.
“I see from today’s edition that once again The Scotsman is launching yet another campaign – this time a ‘go green’ one,” he writes. “This follows previous campaigns for a second crossing over the Forth, one against maltreaters of birds of prey and several others. Now, as a long-term subscriber to The Scotsman I wish to read the news, both home and international, conveyed in a concise manner together with good financial and economic reporting and informed comment. I and a number of other readers are becoming a little tired of repeated ‘campaigns’ led by or supported by this newspaper, however worthy these are. Six pages devoted to ‘The Green Issue’ on top of the forests of print and hours of television and radio coverage on this subject smacks of overkill. Our family is already carrying out most, if not all, of the recommended initiatives.”
It is a valid view; our primary role is that of a news provider, but, as I have said, there are other elements to what we do.
We do not want to preach to our readers – we just want to do what we can do for the common good. That probably is a bit idealistic, but isn’t it good that there is still idealism in newspapers? But, point taken; it shall inform future judgments.
Wendy Welstead writes: “Would it be possible to check the grammar before printing a headline?” The offending headline ran: “Hard times for ahead for RBS.” All mistakes hurt, but mistakes in headlines are especially hard to forgive. It should have been caught by the multi-layered editing process we employ. More vigilance will be urged.
• Contact Ian Stewart on 0131-620 8633 or at
or 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS.
The full article contains 532 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
