The daily newspaper is one of any city’s most important institutions without which its existence would be completely different. The newspaper which has the respect and trust of the community is in a strategic position to exercise considerable power. It is a stabilizing influence, a matter of civic pride and a force for progress. A newspaper which lacks the confidence of its constituents is not only at personal disadvantage as a commercial enterprise but is a social misfortune. All citizens have a profound personal interest in the development and maintenance of a strong competent local journalistic medium, They need it as much as they need good government, first-class schools, recreational and cultural activities and other factors which make for good community living today.

– from the chapter “Servicing Readers” in Principles of Editorial Writing by Curtis D. MacDougall, published in 1973