JFK SPEAKS ON "THE PRESIDENT & THE PRESS"
New York City (JFK+50) On April 27, 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke at the annual dinner of the American Newspaper Publishers Association* at the Waldorf-Astoria here in New York City.
The President titled his address: "The President and the Press." He said...
"Some may suggest that this would be more naturally worded
'The President Versus the Press.' But those are not my sentiments tonight."
JFK continued...
"I want to talk about our common responsibilities in the face of a common danger. Whatever our hopes may be for the future, there is no escaping...the gravity or the totality of its challenge to our survival and to our security."
The President discussed the conflict between "the need for greater public information" versus "the need for far greater official secrecy." Reflecting on this conflict, he asked newsmen...
"to recognize the nature of our country's peril. Our country is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe. The survival of our friends is in danger."
While JFK described this unprecedented cold war era as "a time of peace and peril," he did not expect the press to be uncritical. He said...
"Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed--and no republic can survive.
*American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) was founded in 1887 & headquartered in Reston, VA. The purpose of ANPA was to advance the cause of the free press & promote the highest standards of journalism.
In 1992, ANPA merged with other news organizations to form the Newspaper Association of America. In 2016, NAA became the News Media Alliance with headquarters in Arlington, VA.
SOURCE
"Address 'The President and the Press' Before the American Newspaper Publishers Association, New York City. April 27, 1961," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
New York City (JFK+50) On April 27, 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke at the annual dinner of the American Newspaper Publishers Association* at the Waldorf-Astoria here in New York City.
The President titled his address: "The President and the Press." He said...
"Some may suggest that this would be more naturally worded
'The President Versus the Press.' But those are not my sentiments tonight."
JFK continued...
"I want to talk about our common responsibilities in the face of a common danger. Whatever our hopes may be for the future, there is no escaping...the gravity or the totality of its challenge to our survival and to our security."
The President discussed the conflict between "the need for greater public information" versus "the need for far greater official secrecy." Reflecting on this conflict, he asked newsmen...
"to recognize the nature of our country's peril. Our country is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe. The survival of our friends is in danger."
While JFK described this unprecedented cold war era as "a time of peace and peril," he did not expect the press to be uncritical. He said...
"Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed--and no republic can survive.
*American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) was founded in 1887 & headquartered in Reston, VA. The purpose of ANPA was to advance the cause of the free press & promote the highest standards of journalism.
In 1992, ANPA merged with other news organizations to form the Newspaper Association of America. In 2016, NAA became the News Media Alliance with headquarters in Arlington, VA.
SOURCE
"Address 'The President and the Press' Before the American Newspaper Publishers Association, New York City. April 27, 1961," Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1962.
Front Pages Display
The Newseum
Washington, D.C.
August 13, 2016
Photo by John White
