Originally broadcast on CHED radio - Date unknown

In an editorial that reeked with self-righteous pomposity, the Edmonton Journal last night zeroed in on radio "open line" shows. Day by day, this, I am loath to use the word, “newspaper", becomes more ridiculous.  This anonymous editorial writer says with reference to "open line" shows, "there can be no escaping the fact that a sense of responsibility must be exercised by those in authority. Freedom and license are different things." And again, "some radio station authorities may not want to tone down their open line programs in the belief that the more sensational they are, the more listeners they will attract." Sensational? Who is the journal to criticize radio for being sensational. Pick up any issue and count the girly photos. On page 22 of the same issue that carried this ridiculous editorial we have a girl all decked out in a bikini. The journal carries this picture as a fashion note. I have never seen a suit like this worn in this area. On page 26 they show a picture of the queen stepping over a fence. Although her Majesty's modesty could not possibly have been better preserved the journal captions the picture "the queen shows her legs." Then for good measure on page 27 the journal runs a picture of another scantily clad maiden who has been elected Mademoiselle France. Now certainly this must be news. Let's face it, the whole wide world has been waiting breathlessly for weeks just to find out who was to be crowned, what was it, oh yes, Mademoiselle France for 1965. Well, I don't intend to even attempt to defend Canadian broadcasters. Our record speaks for itself. They are as a group, dedicated, responsible members of the community. I just get sick and tired of this sixth rate excuse for a newspaper taking pot shots at radio when they have so many skeletons in their own closet. I had hoped when Basil Dean took over at The Journal we might see some enlightened policy prevail, but I find I still have to buy the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Examiner every week just so I can find out what is going on in the world and so I won't forget all the newspaper can be. Basil Dean has done one wise thing however. He has removed from the mast head of the journal that ridiculous slogan "one of Canada's great newspapers.”