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Show Page 4 ; weber state o ii p SIGNPOST if editorial by Barbara 0 Shell Politicians know that the power of the press is a mighty force. It is a power which can be abused. Candidates for political office on a national level have on occasion accused the press of unfair coverage during a political campaign. What controls should be placed on a newspaper to secure fair and equitable treatment for candidates? Should restrictions be placed on the press to insure coverage of a controversial issue? No. Absolutely not. Censorship of the press is forbidden by the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States declares that "Congress shall make no law -- abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." Suppression of opinion is recognized as a threat to our fundamental democratic ideals. There can be no controls, or restrictions placed on the press without violating these basic concepts; without substantially damaging the very foundations of our democracy. Newspapers are subject to libel laws. Writers must respect the policy established by their newspapers regarding style and good taste. The Signpost operates under the WSC Publications Board, which has the authority to approve policy and to select or dismiss the editor. However, newspapers, public or private, are not licensed and are not under jurisdiction' of the Federal Communications Commission. The press is not obligated to provide "equal time" to candidates. Independent editorial comment by the press has historically been a sacred trust held by the press, sanctioned by tradition and law. We are currently facing this issue at Weber State College. Restrictions have been written into current election by-laws at WSC. A rider has been attached to the Signpost budget which stipulates the conditions under which editorial comment can be printed during studentbody elections. This is a violation of the freedom of the press. The argument advanced by WSC senate concerning this issue is that the Signpost is funded by student funds, through the senate, and must abide by the policy and regulations dictated by the senate. Their objective is an attempt to insure equal and fair coverage of election news, and to prevent students funds being used indirectly in behalf of a particular candidate. At what price? Any control on the press places fundamental civil liberties in jeopardy. If the Signpost, under pressure to accept restrictions from the senate in order to avoid loss of funds, were to capitulate to this threat, it would be a betrayal of a sacred trust. The Signpost cannot prostitute itself on its editorial pages and retain any self respect. The freedom of the press cannot be compromised. |