Few would disagree when I say that it is the journalist that makes a newspaper. But in reality do journalists make a newspaper or the readers, or is it the editors? Is the 'Fourth Estate' still thriving?

Do journalists still cherish the belief of Joseph Pulitzer who believed in the worth of the daily press and in the beneficial power of the written and published word? At one time this belief encouraged journalists to strive after something better every time they took up a pen. Today, newspapers are blamed for spreading misinformation and cannot be relied on as even the integrity of Pulitzer Prize winners are doubted. Readers blame poor journalism for the low quality of today's paper.

During the time when journalists still cherished the beliefs of Pulitzer, 'The Journalist's Creed' was published. Some sections of the creed are as follows:

"I believe in the profession of journalism, I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service is betrayal of this trust.

That a journalist should write what he holds in his heart to be true.

That suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

That the journalism which succeeds best fears God and honours men."

Although there will be people who may find the creed an idealistic statement, we must remember that it is ideals that shape our efforts in this world and set the moral and ethical standards for professional activities, including journalism. Reading today's newspapers we may find it hard to find a journalist that still remembers the creed, but is it the fault of journalists?

Realists and cynics avail the media; to them, sensationalism, sex and violent crimes are what attract readers. When we blame the poor quality of journalism we must not entirely blame the journalists. The readers are to blame too.

Good journalism involves much more than good journalists. Good readers are also needed. Newspaper owners value the readers, for their profits come from readers purchasing their papers. In a free enterprise, entrepreneurs, like newspaper editors, have to provide the news as demanded by the consumers, who, in this case are the readers. If readers feel that they are reading trash it is because the editors feel that it is what they want. Readers will only reinforce the editors' opinion if they remain silent.

The only way to bring about good journalism is through a healthy relationship between the readers and the journalists. As readers, we must be responsive to what we read. Letters from readers to newspaper editors are one of the best ways of bringing about this healthy relationship between the press and the public.

To answer the first question, ultimately the readers make the newspapers. Readers must demand that journalists uphold their creed for when we remain silent we are sending the message that we accept mediocrity.