What I say is that there are not half a dozen papers in…
“What I say is that there are not half a dozen papers in the United States which tamper with the news, which publish what they know to be false. But if I thought I had done no better than that, I would be ashamed to own a paper. You have to make everyone connected with the paper believe that accuracy is to a newspaper what virtue is to a woman.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A newspaper must prioritize truth, treating accuracy as a moral virtue essential for public trust
In simple terms: Truth and integrity are essential for newspapers
Key Takeaway
Uphold factual reporting always
Themes
journalism
ethics
integrity
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- editorial decisions
- media criticism
- public accountability
Key Concepts
Moral responsibility
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance speed and accuracy?
- What pressures compromise truth?
A Different Perspective
Maintaining accuracy can be costly and politically risky