New York Tribune

Robert Morton
May 1983

The following short article appeared on the front page of the first issue of the New York Tribune, April 4, 1983, which replaces the News World.

The management of News World Communications, Inc., has never ceased trying to develop the kind of newspaper that can best help New Yorkers cope with today's increasingly complex, fast-moving and dangerous world. The New York Tribune is our response to the challenge of this new era.

We at the Tribune are convinced that mass communications media hold one key to the solution of the pressing social and political problems of this age. Unfortunately, too often the media have exacerbated rather than eased the tensions of modern society.

Robert Morton, Editor in Chief, and Nick Buscovich, Vice President, meet with Mayor Koch of New York City.

This problem can be overcome by two-way communication between the media and their audience. The free press has historically been instrumental in the development of this nation. But when newspapers become arrogant and lazy, they lose touch with the realities of human suffering and aspirations not only in their own nation but in those under totalitarian rule. When this happens, there can be a breakdown of trust between them and their reading public.

Although it may not seem possible to regard any New York daily as your own personal newspaper, we want you to feel that about the New York Tribune from the very outset.

Our Commentary section is reserved for people who have important things to express to an audience of opinion leaders, decision makers and the public at large. Hundreds of scientists, academics and professionals will air their views in this section.

I am personally inviting you to break out of the mold of the silent majority by calling or writing our editors, reporters and business managers to say what you think of these early issues of the Tribune and how it can better serve your ideals and your needs.

This great City has devoured many fine newspapers in the fierce battleground of commercial competition. The Tribune will be a newspaper dedicated to truth, responsibility and the principle that humanity must be governed ultimately according to the wishes of Almighty God, the supreme authority.

Please, join our effort to make the Tribune a valuable service to the City and nation.