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Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States, was owner/publisher of The Marion Daily Star for nearly 40 years. He wrote the following creed to guide his staff. All of the reporters who worked for Harding were given a copy of the creed when they were hired.
The MARION STAR Creed
by Warren G. Harding
Remember there are two sides to every question. Get both.
Be truthful.
Get the facts.
Mistakes are inevitable, but strive
for accuracy. I would rather have
one story exactly right than
a hundred half wrong.
Boost, don’t knock. There’s good in
everybody. Bring out the good in
everybody, and never needlessly hurt
the feelings of anybody.
In reporting a political gathering, get the
facts; tell the story as it is, not as you
would like to have it.
Treat all parties alike. If there’s any
politics to be played, we will play
it in our editorial column.
Treat all religious matters reverently.
If it can possibly be avoided, never bring
ignominy to an innocent woman
or child in telling of the misdeeds
or misfortune of a relative. Don’t wait
to be asked, but do it without asking.
And, above all, be clean. Never let a
dirty word or suggestive story
get into type.
I want this paper so conducted that it
can go into any home without
destroying the innocence of any child.
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