Charles Apple

Previously, the Southeast Missourian of Cape Girardeau — average daily circulation 15,895 — refused to run letters to the editor regarding political candidates. Ballot issues, yes. Candidates, no.

But no longer. The Southeast Missourian will now run letters opposing or endorsing candidates.

…At a rate of 150 words for $25. Each additional word over 150 will set you back another 50 cents per word.

Joe Sullivan, the Southeast Missourian’s editorial page editor, explained on Jan. 3:

Every election cycle results in the submission of letters regarding local, state and federal candidates. Because of the tone of too many of these letters, the Southeast Missourian has adhered to its policy of not publishing any such letters rather than picking and choosing some.

The Paid Election Letter option gives those who want to express their opinion an outlet. By attaching a fee to these letters, it is hoped writers will use their 150 words well to express their views.

Naturally, anything “libelous or patently false” will not be printed, says Sullivan. Unless the writer pays cash.

Sorry, just kidding. It won’t be printed at all, he says. Plus, paid letters must be signed, include an address and telephone number, comply with election laws and be received a week before Election Day.

The announcement led to just what you’d expect: Complaints from online readers that the change infringes upon first amendment rights. Never mind that the paper spiked letters of this type to begin with. It’s amazing what a poor grasp the general public has of the first amendment and what it protects.

Amazing. But, sadly enough, not surprising.

Doug Fisher of the University of South Carolina school of journalism correctly didn’t attack the legality of the idea. Just the idea itself.

Amusingly, he writes:

We know what we are. We’re just negotiating the price.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm and is filed under Innovative ideas, Visual ethics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.