Page 10 HIGH GEAR
Give it to me straight
By Brian McNaught
A friend of mine was recently fired by the editor of a major gay publication allegedly for suggesting once too often that the publisher was exercising too much control over the minds of the staff. My friend's subsequent phone call to me prompted a good laugh/cry conversation about the status of professional-
Objectivity, balance needed in reporting of gay news
headline or a small one, whether it was put on Page 1 or back with the want ads, similarly was the result of no objective process but of an editorial choice... The rigid concept of objectivity as it was once defined, therefore was a myth.
"What was and is valid," it conism in the gay movement, most tinued, "is the basic ideal of
especially in gay newspapers and magazines.
It has been a growing concern of mine for sometime that too
many gay publications lack credibility. The more my friend and I talked, the more we zeroed in on the issue of "mind control". By that I mean the lack of sensitivity on the part of some editors and staff to the uniqueness of each reader. Too many gay publications have become the tools of individuals who wish to convert us all to their particular economic or political philosophy.
A few days ago I dug out a copy of my college textbook, The Professional Journalist. It was annually handed to first year students by proud professors who smiled as they passed on their cherished legacy. Under the section "News and Opinion", I found,: "The American newspaper prides itself on its separation of news from opinion. Once it was widely taught...that some news columns were composed of purely factual material while the editorial page consisted entirely of opinions and the two never mixed... Yet, even where the proposition was rigidly enforced,it never was really possible to make it work in every case."
The chapter went on to make some observations I have since discovered for myself. "The mere process of deciding whether to print an article or omit it was an exercise of opinion by the editor. Whether an article carried a large
honesty in the news-the effort to present fair, unbiased material in the news columns, leaving persuasion to the realm of the edi-
torial page and the columnist." The glossary then defined "editorial" as "opinion" intended to shape or otherwise influence public thinking.
As a gay man, I suggest that I should be able to pick up a gayoriented publication and find factual news reporting on gayrelated events. As a journalist, I insist it is possible to publish gay-oriented newspapers and magazines which meet top standards of professionalism. So, why do I hear over and over again from frustrated people throughout the country about how difficult it is for them to find or place religious news in their gay publications? Why do I see the faces of friends go into contortions when I mention the names of different publications or editors? Why do I feel I am being put on the defensive so frequently while reading the news sections of these periodicals? Why is it sometimes necessary to subscribe to four or five gay publications in order to get a balanced perspective in the news?
The earliest gay newspapers were created as communication links for the gay community. Metropolitan dailies, for a long period of time, would not print the word "homosexual", much less report on news of particular interest of gay people. Everyone
Children's Input Needed
I have been contracted by an independent press (VIEW PRESS) to write a book whose focus is on children of gay parents. Our interest is in children of all ages, as well as adult men and women who found out that their parent is/was gay. The young children must be articulate enough to be able to talk about their feelings and experiences. The one ground rule is that the children know that their parent is gay. What interests me is how their atypical family has affected these children's lives.
Both the publisher and I perceive the book as nonjudgmental; there will be no reserach data or professional opinion. The text will be composed of tape transcriptions and vignette portraits; the families will not be compromised
by any details which might reveal their identities. I am sensitive to the custody problem of parents with minors.
Complete anonymity is guaranteed.
Here is where I need your help. We want the families to be nationally represented and from both rural and urban locales. Could you and your staff. personally contact families who might consider being interviewed, as well as put a newsbox in your publication. If you prefer an advert, then please contact me as quickly as possible. Time is a very important factor.
I am planning to travel to interview the families sometime late in April or early May. Parents can call me toll-free at the following number: 800-223-0810. Sincerely, Renee Epstein
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needs access to news, most especially that directly related to everyday activities. We need factual news to enable us to form opinions and make decisions. the gay community of the early 1960s was to know about a police raid in a particular bar, a series of gay-oriented muggings in a certain section of town or the first meeting of a new group, it would have to develop its own newspapers, and so it did.
Today, America seems to be far more sophisticated. The New York Times now carries regular reports on gay-oriented, newsbreaking events. Major city radio and television stations are beginning to meet some of the gay community's communication needs. Yet, the need is stil! there for good newspapers which cater to gay audiences. Not only are there areas which the other media are not covering, but I do not believe we should ever count too heavily upon others to provide our communication link.
If the need is as great today, why do so many publications seem to be abandoning the tough task of providing comprehensive news reporting? I have
offer them here. I would, however, like to make a plea.
We are a vulnerable people. Sometimes it takes all of the energy we possess just to think positively about the future. We are all struggling to discover our individual potentials. To do so we need to be able to trust we are being given a fair shake by those to whom we turn for news and opinions. We need to be able to count on professionalism.
Gay editors,remember that you have little competition and therefore a greater responsibility to present the full picture of gay life to your readers. Remember that your publication is frequently the very first thing a man or woman picks up to discover
more about their sexual orientation. Know that it is an abuse of power and historical privilege to use the news section of your periodical to build an army of political disciples. Hope that we will all abandon our sexism, racism, ageism; yearn for the day when we will all come out of the closet; dream about the time
when we will all be dressed in the garb of the economic revolution, but allow us all to make those decisions for ourselves. To help us along, offer us your opinion in the editorial section of your periodical.
We need a strong gay press and the strength of the American press has always been its dedication to presenting "fair, unbiased material in the news columns."
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