The role of the press takes on a special glow in the light
of a political campaign. In the following selections, Governor
Tawes comments on this factor as he saw it during his
contest for a second term. Here, too, is an appraisal of the
broadcast media along with a restatement of his view that
public officials have a responsibility to keep the people informed.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND-DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION

OCEAN CITY

June 27, 1963

President Goodfellow, Vice-President Carr, other officers, directors
and members of the Maryland-District of Columbia Broadcasters As-
sociation, ladies and gentlemen:

On my way here today, I was toying with the idea of borrowing
a jest from the President of the United States and addressing you as
"my fellow editors. " I abandoned the idea when I could not recall
a single instance in which I had been accused of attempting to manage
the news. I admit that there have been times when I have been
tempted to try, but quite frankly I doubt if anyone outside the pro-
fession has the ability to do this. Some of my advisers from time to
time have suggested that if I "stay on the side of the angels, " as the
saying is, a good press is sure to follow. I have been willing to follow
this advice, but the problem has been to determine which side the
angels are on.

You will observe that I have begun addressing you in your role
as purveyors of public information. I do this in full awareness that
as radio and television broadcasters your responsibilities are much
broader and cover a vast field of public entertainment as well as public
enlightenment. But it is in the capacity of newsmen and newswomen
that I know you best, and therefore I shall, for the most part, confine
my remarks to this phase of your activities.

Having been active in politics for the greater portion of my life,
I have had what I consider to be a good opportunity to observe rather
closely the developments in radio and television news broadcasting.

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