ADVICE TO YOUNG JOURNALISTS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Even after the presidential gavel has' declared the termination of a discussion, it is not unusual to allow a vote of thanks to the chair. With that precedent in mind, I hope that you will permit me, despite your closure of the correspon- dence on schools of journalism, to pay a tribute to the Spectator for opening its columns to that discussion.
As a journalist, I know there is, in some papers, a timidity about admitting criticism of advertisers, actual or potential ; the action of the Spectator, however, in giving publicity to the views of the Institute of Journalists concerning a certain class of advertiser, is in accordance with the best traditions of the British Press. I have followed carefully this question of schools of journalism in recent years, and, so far as I know, apart from professional periodicals, only Truth and the Spectator have opened their columns to anything approaching a free discussion of a subject which is undoubtedly of import- ance to a considerable section of the public.
The discussion, as I see it, terminates a little unsatisfactorily, with Mr. Pemberton gesticulating on the retreating stern of the Aquitania,' but for such publicity as you have given to the professional journalist's point of view; sincere thanks are due to you. If readers want to hear more of that view, it is to be hoped that they will approach the Institute of Journalists.
I may add that the Institute will not mulct them in any charges ; it is a professional society, incorporated by Royal Charter.—I am, Sir, &c., H. A. TAYLOR. 23 Fleet Street, London, E.C. 4.
[Although we have closed this correspondence and cannot reopen it, it would have been discourteous not to have printed our correspondent's vote of thanks.—En. Spectator .]
Previous page
