 Speech by His Excellency the Right Honourable
Jules Léger on the occasion of the presentation
of the 1973 Michener Awards for Journalism - Rideau Hall, May 16, 1974
May I say how pleased I am, as Governor General and also as a former
journalist to associate myself with this fourth presentation of the
Michener Award for Journalism.
I am somewhat envious of my predecessor whose name is attached to
such an award. His chances of passing to posterity are the greater
in thus being associated with the media.
Two weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to express some thoughts
about journalism and mass media communications at the Annual Dinner
of the Canadian Press in Toronto. While still shy, I felt very much
at home, as between colleagues, as I do today.
I observed then that “generally speaking, we have reached a
saturation point with our complete arsenal of means of
communication: radio, television, newspapers and magazines” and l
wondered if we were not running the risk of continuing the verbal
pollution of the spirit even as we mobilize all our resources to
combat the pollution of our environment. l leave this thought with
you.You now face a period of work that is as demanding as it is
important. In the election campaign now getting underway, it is you
who will carry the message between the politicians and the
electorate. Your influence is thus decisive as is your
responsibility, for you must ensure that this message, on which the
democratic process depends, is fully and faithfully conveyed. An
essential democratic right is at stake.
We ought to ascertain that the exercise of this fundamental right is
not interfered with. It is up to the voters to make up their minds and express
their judgment. You assist them in this duty by offering them
complete and impartial information.
This ceremony offers us an opportunity to congratulate those of you
who have distinguished themselves over the past year.
This is the case of CTV Television Network, the winner of the Roland
Michener Award for 1973. This also the case of the Dartmouth Free
Press who deserved the first honourable mention and of two radio
stations who shared the second honourable mention, CHRC-AM in Québec
City and CFCW-79 in Camrose, Alberta. I extend my warmest greetings
to all media. This honour which you have received today is reflected
on your community as a whole.
I have already voiced the great respect I have for your profession.
A man must be both a saint and a demon to succeed in it, so numerous
are the temptations of the flesh and of the spirit that if offers.
Like Eve, you have the power to choose. Every word you select can be
plain or poisoned, depending on how you use it.
So it is with the greatest of pleasure that I take part in this
ceremony honouring some of your colleagues.
My wife and l invite you to spend a moment with us in these halls
which are destined to become venerable if not historic and then join us in a reception
in honour of those among you who have been selected.
His Excellency the Right Honourable Jules Léger
Governor General of Canada
May 16, 1974
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