Abuse Quote by Warren E. Burger
“For better or worse, editing is what editors are for; and editing is selection and choice of material. That editors newspaper or broadcast can and do abuse this power is beyond doubt, but that is no reason to deny the discretion Congress provided.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Oral Argument, 1978
Editors hold power to shape content through selective inclusion and exclusion, but that power can be misused; congressional discretion does not eliminate responsibility.
In simple terms: Editors choose what to include, but can misuse that power.
Key Takeaway
Use discretion responsibly.
Themes
media ethics
power
responsibility
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- broadcast stations
- legislative oversight
- public trust
Key Concepts
gatekeeping
editorial judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can editors guard against bias?
- What safeguards protect editorial independence?
A Different Perspective
Even with discretion, external pressures may bias decisions.
![“[No one will be able to] deter the scientific mind from probing into the unknown any more than Canute could command the tides.” quote by Warren E. Burger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3d/warren-e-burger-20339_able_no-one-will-be-able-to-deter-the-scienti_477708.jpg)
