Bill Kovach

“The need for truth is greater, not lesser, in a world of more voices.”

“The theory of the free press is that the truth will emerge from a marketplace of ideas.”

“The foundation of a free press is the notion that an informed citizenry is the basis for a just society.”

“The essence of journalism is a discipline of verification.”

“In the end, the discipline of verification is what separates journalism from entertainment, propaganda, fiction, or art.”

“It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant.”

“It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.”

“It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.”

“Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.”

“Citizens, too, have rights and responsibilities when it comes to the news.”

“The primary purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing.”

“Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.”

“It must serve as an independent monitor of power.”

“Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.”