Video: Top Journalist Discusses Newspapers and Politics

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – Thomas Jefferson once wrote: “…were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” It is considered one of the “first freedoms” in the United States, “Freedom of the Press”.

On Thursday  West Point business and community leaders got a report on the health of the newspaper industry from an inside source.

Layne Bruce, the executive director of the Mississippi Press Association, spoke to the West Point Rotary club about the importance of a free and independent press, especially during election season.

Today’s idea of the impartial journalist is a relatively new idea.  In times past newspapers were often participatory, even partisan. Today, many are trying to appeal to a wider, more diverse readership.

” Historically, many have endorsed local races and of course some newspapers avoid endorsements altogether. They don’t necessarily believe getting involved in the middle of politics of it all. That’s not to say you will see some papers that will endorse.”

The Mississippi Press Association is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year.