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New media policy
White Rock should take the A-train Just fast-track amalgamation with Surrey and forget about nonsense like new media policy SayWhat? Ted Colley
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SEE VIDEOS ONLINE We knew she would do it! Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and Trooper’s Ra McGuire sing “Raise a Little Hell” near the end of the Canadian band’s set Friday night in Clovedale during Canada Day celebrations. In a ‘Now’ story, Trooper had invited Watts to sing with them
– and talk of the town leading up to their performance was whether or not Watts would accept. We are glad to report she did. To see videos of her performance, and to see photos and videos from local celebrations, visit us at thenownewspaper.com. (Photo: BEAU SIMPSON)
ast week I went on at length about the City of White Rock’s shiny new media policy, one that appoints (anoints?) a number of talking heads who are permitted to speak to the media about matters civic. The list includes the mayor and whichever councillor happens to be deputy mayor. All other council members are excluded. The new media policy is intended to make sure the media gets the “right” message, that being the one that works best for city hall. The new media policy is recognition that good journalism doesn’t always coincide with what is best for city hall, in the same way that what is good for city hall isn’t always good for those governed from said city hall. “Unless otherwise authorized, the City’s spokespersons are: Mayor, Deputy Mayor, The City Manager, City Clerk, Department Heads.” Not written, but easily understood, is, “The rest of you, shut up.” The explanation given is that the new media policy ensures “that only the most
accurate information is released to the media.” The mere fact that White Rock city hall wants to restrict access to information does not set it apart; this sort of interference has become commonplace to the extent that reportage dependent on press releases and the offerings of communications officers is commonly referred to in my biz as stenography. So why does White Rock city hall choose to do this now? White Rock citizens – and I’m not just talking about the usual clique of malcontents here – are becoming increasingly vocal in their criticism of city hall. More and more am I hearing the “A-word” – amalgamation with Surrey – bandied about. Something must be done, but what? Impose a new media policy, perhaps? Whatever the reason, White Rock city hall has joined the ranks of McDonalds, General Motors, the makers of Shredded Wheat and thousands of other corporations busily spinning the news for their own benefit. We all know McDonalds and GM want to sell us things. The question is: What does White Rock city hall want us to buy?
tcolley@thenownewspaper.com