On Headlines, Leads, and Comprehensive Reporting[1]

(September–November 1948)

I

In all news, headlines must have content. The original headline[2] had no content and could not attract attention.

(September 14)

II

All essay headlines must also have content. The original headline[3] had no content and could not attract attention.

(September 14)

[1] Parts I and II are comments written by Mao Zedong when reviewing a news item and an editorial for Xinhua News Agency. Part III is a letter to Hu Qiaomu.

[2] The original headline of this news item was "North China Holds Secondary Education Conference." When Mao Zedong reviewed it, he changed it to: "North China Secondary Education Conference Decides on Various Systems to Improve Secondary Education."

[3] The original headline of this editorial was "The Issue of Secondary Education." When Mao Zedong reviewed it, he changed it to: "Restoring and Developing Secondary Education Is a Major Political Task at Present."

III

Today (the 30th), on the front page of Renmin Ribao[1], the news item "Two Approaches to Concluding Land Reform in Taihang"[2] is worth broadcasting for all localities to follow suit, provided that some of the figures in it are deleted and a clear news lead is added. Please handle as deemed appropriate.

(November 30)

[1] Refers to North China's Renmin Ribao.

[2] The headline of this news item is "Two Approaches to Concluding Land Reform in Taihang: Propagating Policies Leads to Smooth Progress, While Hesitant and Furtive Actions Cause Unease."