Mellett Fund for a Free and Responsible Press records, 1977-1980

Corporate Author:: Mellett Fund for a Free and Responsible Press
Physical Description:: 2.65 cubic feet + 11 items

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Summary:

This collection includes correspondences, nomination applications, newspaper articles, journalism awards, publications, as well as audiotapes (9 stored separately) and 2 video tapes documenting the Mellett Fund for a Free and Responsible Press.

Subject(s):

Note:

In the University Archives, University Libraries, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (#RGN 985).

Administrative History:

Lowell Mellet (1886-1960) was a prominent journalist who spearheaded the film series of the early 1940s, "Why We Fight, " which aided President Franklin Roosevelt's publicity campaign to legitimize America's entry into World War II. Mellett served as the editor of the Washington Daily News until 1937, and was appointed by President Roosevelt in 1939 to be the head of the Office of Government Reports. In 1942, due to a restructuring of that organization, Mellett became head of the Office of War Information's Bureau of Motion Pictures. In 1966, Lowell Mellett endowed the fund bearing his name and donated it to the Newspaper Guild to pursue ways to increase press responsibility without impinging on freedom of the press. Since 1978, the Mellett Fund for a Free and Responsible Press has conferred the annual Lowell Mellett Award for Improving Journalism through Critical Evaluation to distinguished American and Canadian journalists for exemplary work in media criticism.

View MARC record | catkey: 7060230