Why Do Readers Misunderstand What's Written in Newspapers? Oct. 7, 1926

Why is it that the reading public, or a goodly portion thereof, so frequently put wrong construction upon what they see in newspapers? Is it because they are, in a measure, void of what it takes to understand and interpret plain English, or is it due to the fact that the newspapers fail to make themselves clear? Surely it is due to one or the other of these conditions.

The other day the Hendersonville News, trying its dead level best to help the good women of the county out of their troubles over a home demonstration agent, got all in bad with the dear things, because they failed to read the meaning of the News’ position. What the Hendersonville paper is experiencing is just what practically every newspaper man has to contend with frequently. This reminds this paper to say, friends, before you jump on a newspaper for something it has said, be sure that you have used that knowledge you may have of human nature and the English language in construing the thing said.

From the editorial page of the Yadkin Ripple, East Bend, Yadkin County, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073180/1926-10-07/ed-1/seq-2/