Annual newspaper week started on Oct. 15. The Japan Newspapers Publishers and Editor Association marked the start of the week with a two-day convention in Sapporo. The week is designed to promote more popular interest in newspapers and renew newspapers' determination to properly perform the public functions expected of them.

As newspapers find themselves in financially difficult straits because of sluggish economies and changes in society represented by expanding use of the Internet, it is all the more important that they make serious efforts to fulfill people's right to know, which is a pillar of democracy.

Today, people spend more time with computers, mobile phones and digital players than with newspapers. They spend an average of only 25.1 minutes daily reading the morning paper on weekdays. Still, the association's survey shows that people give more credence to newspapers than to TV, radio, magazines or the Internet in considering their indispensability as a source of information, including information on local communities, their degree of intellectuality and their impacts on society. It is clear that newspaper companies need to supply high-quality information to people.

They need to be true to the basics of reporting — reporting what is happening in society accurately and promptly and in a balanced manner. They must keep a watchful eye on moves by the powers that be and on the injustices in their midst. Newspapers also must serve the people who do not have the means or the opportunity to express their views and feelings about perceived social injustice and other social problems.

Newspapers have to fight any move on the part of authorities to control the flow of information. People must have necessary information on government organizations for democracy to function properly. With the lay judge system scheduled to be introduced next May, newspapers must strive to ensure fair reporting on crimes and trials. They also should remain watchful of any move by the court and investigators to restrict the reporting of information that is of legitimate public interest.