At the most recent meeting of the Literary Arts, attended by some twenty students, Mr. Bruce Hutchison, editor of the Victoria Daily Times and one of Canada's most prominent journalists spoke on "Journalism."
In a talk lasting an hour and a half Mr. Hutchison held his audience's undivided attention by discussing the economic factors affecting the press, news interpretation, the suppression of news by the press and the career of journalism.
The disappearance of the small newspaper is due to the ever increassing rise in production costs. They have, as in all lines of business, today been pushed out by larger papers. This eliminates competition, but is an inevitable result of the complexity of our modern life.
The interpretation of news is a very recent development and as such is only in the embryo stage. Only in the last twenty years or so has the news been so complicated and the public so enlightened and interested as to require the interpretation of news. It is a gigantic task requiring long experience, an excellent background and a keen analytical mind. Mr. Hutchison was confident of the ability of journalist to master this technique eventually.
Mr. Hutchison acknowledged the fact that the press suppressed news, but said it was due to the fact [that] the public does not seem to want the true picture of events if these events are unfavorable. Instead it likes to be "kidded along" and to be told constantly that everything will turn out satisfactory. As an example, Mr. Hutchison cited the very recent statement of our own politicians saying there would be no Third World War in face of the ever-increasing danger.
Asked for his recommendation as to the preparation for a career in journalism, Mr. Hutchison replied that a newspaperman cannot have too much background. He emphasized the fact that the journalism schools have become in the last few years excellent training schools. Mr. Hutchison placed History and Economics first in importance for journalism.
Opportunities for advancement in journalism are totally dependent upon the individual capacities. Taking the typical pessimistic view of all newspapermen, Mr. Hutchison advised against entering the profession of journalism.
The Martlet, February 5, 1951, p.1. (Arc LM3 M3a)
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