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John B. OakesJohn B. Oakes
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Part:         Session:         Page of 512

Oakes:

And it annoys me that very, very recently, in a book, as a matter of fact, in Harrison's latest book, published by Random House, there's reference in his biographical note to his origination of the Op-Ed page. I don't remember the exact phrase, but it's in there.

Q:

The implication is that he -

Oakes:

Oh, the implication is very strong that he was the originator and that makes me more than a little angry, because as a matter of fact, the first recorded contribution of Harrison's to the formulation of the page, in a committee, that was set up in 1966, was as representative of the then managing editor, Harrison being an assistant managing editor, and taking a very negative view of the whole idea.

So it's irritating. I had done a lot of agitation with Punch Sulzberger, the publisher, during - certainly by 1966, and the earliest documentation that I've so far been able to put my hands on - although I suspect that there is, there are earlier memos - is a memo from Punch, dated September 21st, 1966, addressed to me, stating that he would appreciate it, and I'm now quoting:

“I would appreciate it if you would undertake to chairing a study group looking into the pros and cons of an Op-Ed page.”

This memo of Punch's, which may be of interest -





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