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CHAPTER TWENTY ONE Papers As Seen By Pro's And Others While newspaper people in all areas of the globe, Utahns included, write extensively about others, they only occasionally put thoughts on paper about the profession in which they engage. Certainly one of the most meaningful such expressions was written by Walter Williams, Dean of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and its founder. Coincidental-ly, he was also president of National Editorial Association (now National Newspaper Association) in 1893, the year in which Utah Press Association began. During his long career, which eventually saw him become President of the University of Missouri from 1931 until 1935, Dean Williams developed what he titled The Journalist's Creed, written in such terms that many have likened it to a Scriptural passage. As evidence of that, when UPA dedicated its re-designed Newspaper Hall of Fame display in the state capitol on May 16, 1991, those who planned the program were faced with a dilemma. It was no longer proper, court decisions had ruled, to pray in public buildings. Yet it was felt a prayer would be fitting as part of the dedication ceremony. Dean Williams' masterpiece, it was decided, was most appropriate and John W. (Jack) Gallivan, Publisher-Emeritus of the Salt Lake Tribune, was asked to deliver it. He prefaced the reading by pointing out that its style was somewhat similar to a prayer, yet it was technically not scriptural and therefore was suitable. On a humorous note, Gallivan then told of the man he'd overheard saying, "I swear to God, I'm an atheist!" The text of The Journalist's Creed: "I believe in the profession of journalism. I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to 401 |
