THE CADRE, APRIL 18 page 4 3: ;,

THE “GUARDIAN” GUARDS Mablbcmfi?[,1 a “

STAN DALTON in collaboration with SINBAD FANYASTZ a . Small minds discusspeople: Average minds discuss, Events: Great mi

One of most important elem- ents in any society, regard- less of its structure, is the various forms of media“ newspaper, radio, television, etc. For any society to main- tain itself it must keep its members aware and educated, especially in twenitieth century society, where edu— cation is the key to harm- onious co—existence with other peoples.

Although it is important that a newspaper keep its readers informed of contem— porary events, it's most ‘ important function is to serve as a medium for the expression of its readers views on the most important issues confronting contem- porary man: some of which' will be transitory (i.e. issues peculiar to a cert- ain era), others will be perpetual by virtue of the quest for human understand— ing which entails, truth, life, religion, justice, etc. Any newspaper of qual— ity will address itself to these more important per— ennial problems Some points I consider essential for a qualitat— ive newspaper are:

1) its only criterian is TRUTH.

»;2) Perennial HUMAN PROBLEMS are foremost

3) it challenges its readers and, in turn, is open to their challenge, to set the ground for solid dialogue. 4) its concerns transcends its particular social milieu and seriously challenges the

Views of OTHER PEOPLES whether near or far.

5) it does not "let go"

of an issue until ans- wers are got - one way or the other.

6) It DOES NOT shy away from POLITICS RELIGION, EC_- ONOMICS, or any social issue of importance to anyone. These are but a few import- ant characteristics of any qualitative apaer.

In consideration of what‘has been_thus far said, I would now like to concern myself with the central concern of this article: our own local newspaper- the "Guardian".

I am both appalled and dis- gusted by this cheap excuse for journalism. It consist- antly lets me down when I seek within its pages any semblance of concern and committment for some of our most pressing problems.

Before I continue I would like to draw attention to an interesting article (Guardian -CRITICAL ESSAY by a UPEI student. This article, critizes the "Guard- ian" on many points. Not only does he point out the

many and obvious typograph- ical errors the "Guardian" is notorious for,.but he makes some very interesting observations about its qual— ity as a whole. I shall list some of these and offer further comment. \

"The Guardian is a survivor of the papers whose raison d'etre was to be the mouth- piece of alcohol abstinence devotees. HOwever, today's' Guardian no longer is a staunch anti—alcohol camp— aigner. IT CAN PERHAPS BEST BE DESCRIBED AS A MIDDLE-OF- ROAD NEWSPAPER, UNCOMMITTED TO ANY OTHER CAUSE OTHER THAN THE WELL-BEING OF P.E.I. (Page 1, para 4) (italics mine). M

The italicized sentence might rather be considered as saying that the "Guardian" is mediocre. As a mediocre paper (and that it most cert- ainly is) it is not commflned to anything except staying alive by not getting involv- ed with "touchy" issues which may have a detrimental eff- ect on its economic stature.

Furthermore, a mediocre paper, cannot be committed to the well-being of the Island by vitrue of its mediocrity. If it were in fact committed to our

rwell-being, it would take

issue with those concerns

of Islanders, namely: pol- itics, religion, economics, etc. However, consider the next paragraph.

"The Guardian is by no means a first-rate paper as is say the New Ybrk Times or Tor— onto's Globe and Mail.BUT

IF THE PRESS Is NOT A GADFLY; THEN IT’S A TYRANT!

WHEN A PEoPLE CEASE TO THINK.

ALL PRINCIPLES VANISH

IT REALLY HAS NO NEED TO BE, BECAUSE FIRST-RATE NEWS RE- PORTING IS NOT WHAT IS DEM- ANDED OF IT BY THE COMMUN- ITY" (italics mine — page

1, para. 5) '

This does not exoneratthhe "Guardian" however: whether or not the people Want a mediocre paper is not suff— icient reason for acquies~ cence - unless, of course, those who operate the paper are themselves mediocre. '

It is obvious, the people of P.E.I. do not want to assume their freedom, res- ponsibility, and capacity for making decisions which the conscientious operation of a paper would entail; They, like most people, want to run away from themselves: and the "Guardian" does, nothing to alter this. It‘ would have a very significant effect if it would challenge its readers rather than just reflect their mediocrity. "THE GUARDIAN FALLS SHORT IN THE FULFILLING OF ITS REST PONSIBILITY WHICH IS FIRST OF ALL TO TEACH." (italics Mm.m%2,mmA) .Extensive comment is not re— quired on this point-it is obvious to anyone who reads the "Guardian".

The editorials themselVes are rather poor. The more thoughtful or more influ- ential members of the news- paper's reading communitqu are rarely stimulated by an original Guardian editorial. MANY COMMENTS ON THE EDIT- ORIAL PAGE ARE OBVIOUSLY