British Columbia journalists came under fire on two separate fronts this week in situations that, on their face, couldn't be more different. In both cases, though, the same principle - namely the ability of an independent press to gather and report the news as it sees fit - is at stake.
The matter of Gregg Drinnan (sports editor or the Kamloops Daily News) vs. the Kamloops Blazers is, as far as we're concerned, an open-and-shut case of an organization shooting itself in the foot by trying to muzzle criticism. Last month, the Blazers sent a three-page letter to Drinnan's employer stating that team staff, coaches and players no longer planned to talk to Drinnan because of perceived negative coverage. Blazers majority owner Tom Gagliardi reportedly has said he would rather have no coverage of the team than have Drinnan continue.
A meeting to find "common ground" is planned next week. Daily News editor Mel Rothenburger, in a letter to readers about the situation, stated, "We're optimistic a solution can be found but it won't involve the Blazers deciding what Gregg Drinnan, or any other member of our staff, can or should write about the Kamloops Blazers."
Sports writers are just like theatre critics when covering events: They have journalistic licence to call 'em as they see 'em. Coaches' and players' views of the team's play are also an important part of any game coverage, but it's the writer's descriptive (yes, some of it quite opinionated) talents that draw readers into the story. "Negative" coverage is in the eye of the beholder, and if readers who saw the game want to take issue with the writer, they're welcome to do that. Writers are there to provide honest and unbiased coverage, not to market the team. If the team is playing poorly, it's the journalist's duty to report that. Period.
Also this week, Vancouver Province reporter Elaine O'Connor was ordered by the judge in a legal battle involving Blair Wilson to reveal a confidential source cited in a 2007 newspaper exposé about the former MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if O'Connor reveals her source, those who might otherwise be inclined to provide confidential information to reporters in the future would likely feel a chilly wind blowing in their direction. And the ability of reporters to do their jobs would suffer as a consequence.
Greater transparency and access to information is, after all, in the public interest. And while we're on the topic, Mr. Mayor, why not make good on a campaign promise about "greater openness" and lift the District of Squamish policy that says all media interview requests must go through you?
- David Burke
