9/30/98
The News-Times has sunk to a new low of journalistic malfeasance with its publication as news of a political endorsement of three candidates for Lincoln County offices (9-30-98). Since when is it front page news for District Attorney Dan Glode to choose to endorse his cronies for county commissioner and sheriff ? Will the mayor's picks be next week's news? Can the dog catcher get in on this?
Several years ago the N-T adopted the policy of not officially endorsing candidates or ballot measures. The refusal by the county's major publication to take responsibility for its political positions was anything but a courageous stand. The policy has never stopped the paper from giving its favorites better "news" coverage, with more material, better placed, whenever possible. Printing D.A. Glode's endorsement of Gerttula, Lindly, and O'Brien, along with a large picture, on the front page is inexcusable and exposes the covert News-Times policy for what it really is: ducking responsibility.
The News-Times editorial statements, including its political opinions, belong on the Editorial Page, not disguised as news.
The Knight's Apprentice