The Oregonian Today and Tomorrow

• published: 22 Apr 2015
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Presented on March 4, 1994 Sandra Mims Rowe, executive editor, The Oregonian "Were you overloaded with information, dismayed by the government, or appalled by the media in 1993? You're not alone. Increased competition from every possible print or electronic source has caused information overload. The resulting influx of negative information has fed public distrust—and some would say disdain—of both government and the media. ""Government and the press are codependent,"" Oregonian Executive Editor Sandra Mims Rowe says, ""and it is no coincidence that confidence in the two institutions has plummeted together."" What is needed to restore institutional credibility, according to Rowe, is for newspapers to become more a part of their communities and to take their most essential role in democracy more seriously. ""Democracy demands an active, engaged citizenry, willing to join in public debate and participate in community activities,"" Rowe points out, ""and newspapers must lead the way. Part of journalism's purpose is to encourage civic participation, improve public debate, and enhance public life. Many daily newspapers have lost sight of the importance of their role in this regard."" In her City Club address, Rowe will discuss public journalism, the role of newspapers in their communities, and outline what The Oregonian will do in 1994 to increase its community connectedness. A three-time member of the Pulitzer Prize nominating jury, Rowe served as executive editor and vice president of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star of Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 1984 until 1993. The newspaper won the Pulitzer Prize for general news reporting in 1985. "