City leaders in Carson, Calif., are considering boycotting a local newspaper by cancelling all city subscriptions and urging residents to do the same. Theyre upset because the newspaper reported that negative stories (like crime) had happened near Carson (they did). The city leaders think that reflects negatively on their town, and they want it stopped. OK, then. Perhaps the city leaders in Carson would benefit from reading this quote, to better understand the role of journalism: “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.” -- George Orwell Or perhaps they should re-read the First Amendment, protecting the freedom of press. Either way, I shudder when I read this quote from Carson city manager Nelson Hernandez: “Moving forward, I am requesting that you balance your reporting with highlights on a lot of the positive projects and developments, Hernandez said. Mr. Hernandez, balance in journalism does not imply that for every negative story about you or your town, we have to counter it with a positive one. Balance implies every story will be fair and explore all sides. Feel free to cancel your subscription. Thats your right as a customer. But know this: We dont work for you. Were not your PR firm. And if your attempt is to sell Carson as a destination city, this hurt your cause instead of helping it.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:43:59 +0000
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