The National Observer, 1962–77

In an era when many newspapers resisted opening their news columns to interpretive articles because editors held to the concept of objective journalism, the National Observer demonstrated a commitment to news interpretation of cultural, political, and social events and issues. For fifteen years it prominently displayed interpretive articles on its front page and often on its special-focus back page without labeling them “news analysis,” which was the custom of the time. The articles explored and explained the causes and effects of some of the major events and issues of the era, emphasizing good writing and solid reporting. Although the weekly newspaper failed to attract advertisers and eventually ceased publishing, it appealed to a sizable number of subscribers throughout its lifetime and received recognition for its quality journalism.