Christine Byrd Byrd will be taking wing
and flying out of her newspaper nest. She will no longer be
accepting complaints about the air conditioning, deadlines, ads,
lack of sunlight, editorials or alleged misquotes, but her
replacement will be. She wishes him the best of luck.
One of my favorite Daily Bruin editorials is pinned up in the
office that has been my third home this year, among my eclectic
colored post-it notes, phone lists and comics. It expresses
sentiments still felt at the Daily Bruin, though, unfortunately,
from a writer-centric point of view. (See, even The Bruin has
struggled in recent years to overcome its internal prejudices).
It was written by Richard Schenk in 1951, but it could have been
written yesterday.
“¢bull; “¢bull; “¢bull;
Why write for the Daily Bruin?
This is a question that confronts the aspiring writer, whether
he is a freshman or senior. Many reasons and arguments might be
offered in answer.
A look at the average community or metropolitan daily readily
suggests two reasons. In general, these papers reflect an alarming
trend in the newspaper field, the field of public information.
The first of these trends is disrespect for the intelligence of
the reader. The second is an apparent decline in the art of what is
known as “objective reporting.”
What has this to do with The Bruin?
It may be safely stated that the average Daily Bruin reporter
emerges from his experience with a healthy skepticism regarding
channels of public information, of which the newspaper is a major
example. The Daily Bruin reporter emerges a more intelligent and
discriminating reader.
Just as important is the fact that the Daily Bruin reporter is
provided with an opportunity for objective reporting which may
never recur in his career as a journalist. Granted that there are
limitations to the university reporter’s scope, it is,
nevertheless, a sound assumption that nowhere in journalism is the
reporter afforded the intellectual freedom he enjoys on the campus
newspaper.
If he carries some trace of this independence and skepticism
into the outside world, whether it be as a journalist or a
businessman, it is conceivable that standards in the area of public
information will be raised.
Standards will be raised of necessity when the public refuses to
accept the mishandling of its news sources. If people enter the
field of journalism imbued with a desire to import truth to the
public, newspaper reporting cannot help but advance.
These are the advantages of working on the Daily Bruin. Their
value cannot be reckoned in terms of personal benefit. Newspaper
work is not easy, romantic or exciting in the main. It is hard
work. But it has rewards for the individual with a desire to serve
the interests of truth.
On campus, the reporter finds himself at the hub of student
activity. He learns to view life in a broad perspective. He is on
the way to becoming an intelligent and active citizen.
The Daily Bruin is a student publication open to student
participation.
Take advantage of the opportunity it represents.
“¢bull; “¢bull; “¢bull;
I am so proud of those of you who have taken the opportunity to
be involved in the Daily Bruin this year. You have made a
difference to everyone in the office and your work has made a
difference on campus. Please cherish the good memories and learn
from the mistakes. I know I will.