Exhibit JC42 - The Leveson Inquiry

For Distribution to CPsThe University of London Diploma for Journalism: The Educational Background and Aims ofthe CourseFrench Senate and Chamber and American system of Government wouldsave the journalist from many pitfalls during times where there is spate ofelections of all kinds.’Review of Students views on the CourseTogether with several other former students Mr. Lintott mentioned thevalue of instruction in the proper use of reference books for journalists andhe also suggested that the course should also be expanded to include thework of the art editor and picture make-up.Another, who said he was trusted with covering county and localcouncils, police courts and dramatic shows on his local paper, thought thecourse had been useful because it made him aware of his vast ignoranceand had prompted his interest in all manner of things: ’The reading inliterature has given me a valuable background for the hundred and onepoints and allusions that crop up in the course of my work. The study ofgovernment has been of considerable practical use.’Although we do not have his dates of attendance on the course, it musthave been later than the man who wrote that in his day, 1920-21, thequantity of academic material was so great that ’absorption preventedapprehension. Learning prevented thinking.’ Even while they ’stood in therain copying the names from wreaths in cemeteries’ former students felt ithad been worthwhile and saw the advantages of the ’advanced training’,making them ’better equipped’ than other members of staff when it came to’doing special descriptive work, dramatic criticism, and other engagementswhich require more than mere common sense and a knowledge ofshorthand.’ This was said by a sports editor who added that he could hardlyturn the academic side of his university training to account in that sphere.What they all appreciated was ’the mental equipment and good generaleducation necessary to the journalist today.’ Although some did state thatthe University must enforce the regulation that all those entering the coursemust possess knowledge of shorthand.Others felt that students should work on newspapers before attendingthe course; one who did, and secured one of the first Exhibitions forJournalism sponsored by the industry in 1924, found the course of thegreatest possible educational and cultural value while he thought theemphasis was too much on the more ’high brow’ literary and academic sideof the course at the expense of the more utilitarian subjects.These thoughts also ran through the minds of others, most of whom hadgone straight from school onto the course. Most wanted the two hours aweek practical sessions doubled to four, or else students should give up anhour’s spare time twice a week to work in the Journalism Room. For othersthe emphasis on book-reviewing and dramatic criticism wasdisproportionate, considering how few ever became reviewers or critics,and they wanted more practice in sub-editing using agency copy as well assubbing each other’s copy. Not enough practice was given in headlinewriting in the various styles ranging from popular penny daily style toprovincial weekly or picture paper, or even, The Times, (Mr. Mansfield’s82MOD100051253