Fair trial vs. free press. (O.J. Simpson case)

One of the major concerns of the media frenzy surrounding the O.J. Simpson case is whether he can get a fair trial amid the torrent of publicity. QUILL put these questions to several media leaders:

* Has the news media irreparably damaged O.J. Simpson's chances or right to a fair trial? Why do you say that?

* Should we the media care? Why or why not? Here are some of the responses.

Ed Turner, CNN executive vice president

* No. To think otherwise would be to insult the jury pool of L.A. County, claiming based on no evidence that they cannot function in an unbiased manner. Other cases (Rodney King) were not impaired because of media attention.

* Yes, in that we should care that our reports are accurate and fair. Otherwise, an unfettered press is going to be rambunctious, fractious, and sprawling. Better than a government-controlled press.

Mike Phillips, editor of The Sun in Bremerton, Washington

* O.J. Simpson kissed the Sixth Amendment goodbye when he took …