Does the Tribune-Star’s editorial page favor and, therefore, publish more liberal viewpoints than conservative ones? Or is the opposite true? Is the answer somewhere in between?
Those questions and the debate surrounding them were around long before I began working on the editorial page 16 years ago. I’ve addressed them periodically through the years whenever I explained our editorial page philosophy, but I suspect some readers still try to find secret veins of bias and favoritism to bolster their claims.
A few months ago, however, I received an e-mail message from a reader than took a fresh approach to the issue. This reader actually kept a tally on editorial page opinions and posted the results in an Internet forum.
That message came from Judy Dukes of Terre Haute, and here is what it said:
“I belong to an online Yahoo Group — the Terre Haute Cafe. We talk about every subject we can think of, including politics.
“I got tired of hearing the conservatives on the site blaming their disappointments on the ‘liberal media.’ Beginning March 28, 2006, I started keeping score in the Tribune-Star.
“I limited this to columnists and letters to the editor.
“The score as of today was:
“Columnists: liberals 7; conservatives 8.
“Letters: liberals 10; conservatives 6.
“This looks pretty balanced to me. Were I an editor who really wanted to be fair, I would publish an even number of columnists, and publish the letters in proportion to their numbers, and if one side had more than the other, so be it. It appears to me that that is what you are doing.
“Being a liberal myself, I have mixed feelings about my observations. On the one hand, I want the liberals to win, but on the other hand, I want to prove that there is no liberal bias.
“I know it’s much more complicated than this, but this is what I’m doing right now. The others in the group have urged me to continue at least past the primaries.
“I have no complaint about the balance. I really appreciate the paper.”
Judy makes some good observations. And here’s the way I see the lineup.
By design, our syndicated conservative columnists are William Rusher, John Leo and Kathleen Parker (twice a week). Our liberal columnists are Ellen Goodman and Molly Ivins. We also publish the libertarian views of Nat Hentoff, which sometimes align with conservatives, other times with liberals. We publish state-oriented columns from Andrea Neal and others from the Indiana Policy Review, which carry a strong conservative orientation. Brian Howey’s political column is moderate, but sometimes leans liberal. Morton Marcus, the renowned IU economist, brings a liberal slant.
We publish other syndicated columns periodically, but those listed above are the routine columnists.
Balance is definitely the goal. From this lineup of commentators, readers can get a blend of opinion and viewpoints and gain a good perspective from various points on the philosophical spectrum.
As far as letters are concerned, Judy is also correct in assuming that if more liberal than conservative letters on a subject are published, then more were received. What you see in Readers’ Forum is an accurate reflection of the sentiments of those who take the time to write us.
There are some changes coming to the editorial page soon, including at least one new syndicated columnist. I will write more about that next time. Stay tuned.
Editor Max Jones can be reached at (812) 231-4336, or by e-mail at max.jones@tribstar.com.
Editor's Note
August 12, 2006
Views swing left, right, but balance is in center
- Editor's Note
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MAX JONES: Local seminar to shed light on access
Transparency in public information is an important principle for the proper functioning of government at all levels. Vigilance is key in ensuring that public records and meetings remain open and accessible to citizens of our communities.
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MAX JONES: Farewell to Stephanie, for a while
The Tribune-Star and its legions of readers throughout the Wabash Valley were extremely fortunate six years ago to welcome back a native daughter.
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MAX JONES: Friends ready for next big step at Pyle historic site
The campaign to preserve the legacy of World War II journalist Ernie Pyle in his hometown of Dana passed a milestone last week. Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission voted to end the state’s involvement in the Pyle historic site and turn it over to the Friends of Ernie Pyle organization.
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MAX JONES: Vigo GOP shows its gains are for real
For the better part of two decades, the Republican Party in Vigo County rarely mounted more than a feeble challenge to the entrenched Democratic Party establishment.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Week ahead bringing changes to your newspaper
Your Tribune-Star is undergoing some changes this week, and today’s edition reveals a few of those.
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Editor's Note: A holiday tribute to "Hoosier," and all veterans
My late father, Joseph L. Jones, was a veteran of World War II, a 4th Division Marine whose service sent him to the South Pacific and into combat on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.
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MAX JONES: Resuming partnership for political information
Primary elections don’t always stir a lot of interest among voters. In fact, turnout at the polls is traditionally low for primaries, although there have been exceptions. This year may be one of those.
- MAX JONES: Christmas miracles can still happen You don’t have to wander far to find people who remember vividly when downtown Terre Haute was the place to be during the Christmas
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TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: A day to give thanks and help
Help only becomes a reality when it is given. Today, it’s something needed by many throughout this community and state.
- EDITOR'S NOTE: Appearance of corruption a strong incentive for reform Today, and for the following two days, Tribune-Star readers are being treated to a remarkable series of editorials and essays produced by the Indianapolis Star.
- Editor's Note: Team effort tells stories of Hoosier travel spots When times are tough economically, people get very careful with their hard-earned money. When it comes to spending, it’s a common practice to give special consideration to summer vacations or other leisure trips.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Spelling Bee a great Tribune-Star tradition
Of all the great community-based events this newspaper sponsors and helps sponsor throughout the year, the Tribune-Star Wabash Valley Spelling Bee is one of the most important. It’s extra special because it gives the best and brightest young students in our nine-county area the opportunity to compete for big prizes in a popular and widely recognized annual academic competition.
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Editor's Note: Letters continue to be popular with readers
Survey after survey of newspaper readers tell us that letters to the editor are among the most read and most enjoyed content we offer. While obituaries routinely top the list of most-read items, letters are always near the top.
- Editor's Note: Victory Days — great time to learn history and share memories The number of American military veterans who served their country during World War II are dwindling rapidly. To those remaining, we can’t pay enough tribute. They belong to a generation of men and women who made this nation — and the world — a better and safer place to live.
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Max Jones: Community takes center stage again for fall campaign
Even the most hardened cynic has to admit that Terre Haute is living a charmed life this election year. For the fifth time since spring, the community will be visited by a major political figure in the 2008 presidential sweepstakes. The event will occur later today when Democratic Party nominee Sen. Barack Obama makes a 12:30 p.m. campaign stop at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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MAX JONES: Voters anxious to get news about candidates
Labor Day historically marks the beginning of the fall season for political campaigning. That has been true most years in which elections are conducted. This year, however, such a designation may be greeted will little more than a chuckle.
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MAX JONES: Voters will be big winners in fall gubernatorial debates
Twice in September and once in October, Indiana voters will have an opportunity to participate in and witness, in person or via electronic media, debates among the state’s three candidates for governor.
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Tribune-Star editorial: A day to be grateful for community kindness
Obviously, it’s been a long, trying week for most folks in the Wabash Valley.
Today offers at least a moment for the community to reflect on its survival of the flood of 2008. - Editor's Note: Covering the flood shifts to recovery As natural disasters go, flooding can have a long and nasty legacy. Even when the waters have receded and raging creeks and rivers are passive once again within their banks, hidden dangers — and damages — persist.
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Tribune-Star editorial: And another thing...
And now for something completely different … good news!!
That’s right, amid the misery of local flooding aftermath, an announcement from Tokyo early Thursday allows us to take a brief break and ponder better days ahead for our community and its economy. -
Tribune-Star editorial: Rain down some kindness
Since Saturday, when flash flooding became more than the usual National Weather Service warning for much of Indiana and Illinois, we’ve all heard and seen inspirational stories.
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EDITOR'S NOTE Sounding the bell for those who hear different drummer
Are there any bagpipers out there? If so, please take a deep breath and step forward.
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Max Jones: Evolving with an industry — and with our readers
Newspapers, it is said, are living, breathing organisms that reflect the times in which they exist and the values of the communities they serve. In order to meet the changing needs and wants of their wide and diverse audience of readers, newspapers must evolve right along with them.
- Editor's Note: Teaming up to help readers understand Indiana’s tax issues Being part of a national newspaper ownership group has its benefits.
- Editor's Note: Tribune-Star staffers compete well for state honors Hoosier State Press Association awards for 2007 were announced last weekend at a banquet in Indianapolis, and I am proud to report that the Tribune-Star once again did well. We brought home seven awards in all, three of them for first place.
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Editor's Note: ’07 election letters reflected intensity
Our readers love to write letters, and election politics is one of their favorite subjects. The recent epic mayoral tussle produced a virtual flood of submissions. Emotions ran high in many of the narratives.
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Editor's Note: As election nears, the spotlight gets hotter
The degree of interest in any election among potential voters — who also happen to be all newspapers’ avid and loyal readers — is always most intense the last two weeks of a political campaign. That’s why we target the majority of our pre-election coverage to the final 10 days or so before voters go to the polls.
- Debate format allowed candidates to shine The Tribune-Star has been teaming up with the League of Women Voters of Vigo County and other local organizations to sponsor candidate forums and debates for years. It’s a worthwhile service to provide newspaper readers, who research shows also happen to be among the most likely voters any time there is an election.
- Editor's Note: More and better police news? It could happen Can the Tribune-Star help residents of 12 Points and surrounding areas get a better handle on crime in their neighborhoods? Those who attended a public meeting Monday night at the Maple Avenue United Methodist Church sure think so.
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After summer’s lull, let the campaign begin
Labor Day marks the traditional kickoff to the political season. Campaigns for various offices and seats on the ballot in this year’s municipal election have been on a low boil since the May primaries.
- More Editor's Note Headlines
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Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired
Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
