jgoose71 0 #1 July 10, 2014 QuoteRecent research has indicated the problem is getting worse throughout the nation, particularly at the federal level. Journalists are reporting that most federal agencies prohibit their employees from communicating with the press unless the bosses have public relations staffers sitting in on the conversations. Contact is often blocked completely. When public affairs officers speak, even about routine public matters, they often do so confidentially in spite of having the title “spokesperson.” Reporters seeking interviews are expected to seek permission, often providing questions in advance. Delays can stretch for days, longer than most deadlines allow. Public affairs officers might send their own written responses of slick non-answers. Agencies hold on-background press conferences with unnamed officials, on a not-for-attribution basis. In many cases, this is clearly being done to control what information journalists – and the audience they serve – have access to. A survey found 40 percent of public affairs officers admitted they blocked certain reporters because they did not like what they wrote. Some argue that controlling media access is needed to ensure information going out is correct. But when journalists cannot interview agency staff, or can only do so under surveillance, it undermines public understanding of, and trust in, government. This is not a “press vs. government” issue. This is about fostering a strong democracy where people have the information they need to self-govern and trust in its governmental institutions. The rest of the letter. Don't forget to follow the links in the letter. http://www.spj.org/news.asp?ref=1253"There is an art, it says, or, rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." Life, the Universe, and Everything Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,468 #2 July 10, 2014 Hi 71, QuoteLetter urges President Obama to be more transparent When I listen to the stupidity of some of news media questions, I am thinking it might be a good thing to keep them at arms length. Having once been interviewed by my local news station, I KNOW that they ask rather stupid questions. As we say: BTDT JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jgoose71 0 #3 July 11, 2014 JerryBaumchenHi 71, QuoteLetter urges President Obama to be more transparent When I listen to the stupidity of some of news media questions, I am thinking it might be a good thing to keep them at arms length. Having once been interviewed by my local news station, I KNOW that they ask rather stupid questions. As we say: BTDT JerryBaumchen I completely agree with you that the press corps is getting dumber and more partisan by the day. I have also seen them ask some rather stupid questions. I can't argue with you there... But you also need to go thru and read the examples that these guys site. The as they said in the letter, the press is supposed to keep us informed on what the government is doing so we can hold them accountable. And despite promises to be the most open and accountable presidency ever, Obama has gone in the opposite direction. As you read the news and the examples quoted above, the power grabs by some of the regulatory agencies are reprehensible. People need to know what's going on. So yes, we have some real idiots in the press, but that doesn't mean shut them all out or get rid of freedom of the press."There is an art, it says, or, rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." Life, the Universe, and Everything Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
