An archaic and arrogant practice

For the past week or so, the Erie Times-News has been publishing editorials endorsing or not endorsing candidates in the upcoming election. This is an archaic and arrogant practice which over the decades has detracted rather than contributed to the electoral process.

It’s one that has never been acceptable among intelligent and thinking citizenry, and is growing less and less palatable as self-serving newspapers like the Times-News, poseurs of objectivity, make recommendations pro or con which reflect their own biases, vested and financial interests, not the general public’s. It's influence-peddling of the rankest kind.

Here’s what one prominent newspaper founder, owner and publisher, Al Neuharth whose newspaper, USA TODAY, with the largest circulation in the nation, more than two million, has said about this counterproductive and despicable practice:

“Enlightened newspaper editors and owners have come to understand that when they endorse a political candidate their news coverage becomes suspect in the eyes of readers, even though most reporters are basically fair and accurate.

“When USA TODAY was founded in 1982, we decided our role was to inform, educate, entertain, debate, but not dictate. That built trust among readers and is one of the reasons the "Nation's Newspaper" has the largest circulation in the country.

“If decision-makers at newspapers quit trying to be kingmakers, they and their readers would benefit.”
Amen.