CAPITAL TIMES September 20, 1991 __ __ _ .
EDITORIALS
Code of ethics
lays down law
The Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics
reads: "Freedom of the press is to be guarded as an
inalienable right of people in a free society. It carries with
it the freedom and the responsibility to discuss, questions
and challenge actions and utterances of our government
and of our public and private institutions. Journalists
uphold the right to speak unpopular opinions and the
privilege to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to
agree with the majority."
In short, it is the right and the responsibility of
journalists to voice opposition to popular opinion. And,
this duty is protected by the Bill of Rights.
Recently, I received a letter to the editor which criticized
last month's column "The Voice from Hell." The author of
the column, Bob Caton, typically finds one or more
complaints with the campus (or life in general) each month
and writes his opinion on it. The writer of the letter found
this style of writing unprofessional and factually unbased.
Perhaps the writer could not fully understand the purpose
of the journalist.
By reading the Code of Ethics, I cannot see where
Caton's article was off base. It is strongly editorial and
voicing an opinion, but isn't that what the Code of Ethics
calls journalists to do? To "discuss, question and challenge
actions and utterances...of our public and private
institutions?" And isn't adhering to a code of ethics
something of a professional nature? So how can this article
be viewed as unprofessional?
Though our paper is small, even miniscule by some
comparisons, we still respect and adhere to the journalistic
code of ethics. I believe this is an indication of the degree
of professionalism our paper has.
In addressing the comment of why Caton's article
appeared "without censorship or editing" I wish to say two
things. First, that there is no censorship on this newspaper.
We are a "public forum" so to speak, where all students
may voice grievances with the college, government, etc...
without fear of censorship. Secondly, we DO edit all
submissions for spelling, punctuation and word use
mistakes. We also edit for obscenities. Caton's articles are
no exception because there are no exceptions to this rule.
Lastly I'd like to thank both readers who took time to
write in and express their opinions. That ! s what
journalism's about, the right to express your opinion, no
matter what it may be or who it may offend. I encourage
everyone to utilize it, for any reason. It's your right.
Karen Tt. Putt
Editor-m-cfiiej
EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS !
Letters to the editor are always
welcomed and encouraged.
Submit your letter in Room W-341 or place it in our
mailbox in Room 212. Typed submissions are preferred.
Please include your name...we cannot print anonymous letters.
We reserve the right to edit all submissions.
A newspaper for the student body
Capital Times
Editor in Chief... Karen M. Putt
News Editor... T.J. Brightman
Sports Editor... Michael Givler
Copy Editor... Elin Marcel
Photography/Graphics Editor... John Rudy
Staff Artist... Craig Smith
Advertising Manager... Rodney May
Adviser... Dr. Peter Parisi
Staff: Dave Ancharski, Sharon Harris, Robert Caton, Celia Fox,
Jeff Hildebrand, Ann Feeney-McGovern, Stacey Simmers,
Nancy Strawhecker, Angela West, Andy Zee and Hilary Zeiders
Capital Timet Is published by the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Concerns regarding the
content of any Issue should be directed to the editor in room W-341 of the Olmsted Building or by calling
944-4970. Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not representative of the College
administration, faculty or student body. Capital Timet welcomes signed letters from readers. Unsigned
submissions cannot be printed; however, a writer's name may be withheld upon request
Capital Times does not endorse its advertisers.