Public or Community Interest Standards

"This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box."

and

"I have reason to know, as do many of you, that when the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is--an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate."

— Edward R. Murrow — RTNDA Convention, Chicago, October 15, 1958

I quote Edward R. Murrow in order to claim some of the same important ground he claimed -- that media must operate in the public interest. In very clear terms: The Vineyard Voice operates in the public interest.

The Vineyard Voice understands that as a medium for communication this is a shared space with the potential for personal, social and political impact. We all can teach through it. We can illuminate our story, and we can inspire each other. The Voice also understands that it is "operating in the public interest." It is important that The Vineyard Voice regards itself as creating and facilitating this shared space -- whether we agree or disagree in our conversations -- and that The Voice attempts to illuminate rather than agitate.

In other words, The Vineyard Voice abides by and promotes a free, open and considered exchange of ideas, "fairly and calmly," even if those ideas are controversial.

This "standard" is two way. As contributors, publishers and editors we all bear the responsibility of broadcasting "in the public interest." We all must recognize this "shared space" and promote a free, open and considered exchange of ideas "fairly and calmly"-- even in times of disagreement.

Even so, the clearest standards can be breached, and boundaries must be provided. Those individuals or groups found by the managing editors of The Vineyard Voice or by the community editors to be acting without regard for "the public interest" -- those people who do not consider the community and are inflammatory, profane and/or publish with disregard of broad interests of the island community -- will be limited in and or blocked from publishing material on The Vineyard Voice.