Newfoundland journalist Vs Premier Williams PR Machine
The release of an ongoing email exchange between Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams' PR person, Elizabeth Matthews, and journalist Craig Westcott are all the buzz in St. John's media circles this week. Westcott has been blackballed by the premiers offices for interviews for the past couple of years and now is being shut out of government advertising for his fledgling Business Post newspaper due to his "negative attitude" toward the premier and his government policies.
When all the spin and personalities are removed it seems to come down to the cruel realities of being an experienced self-employed journalist in a small town who must not only report news and events but is also called on to do SIGNED commentary and editorials... something the local daily does not.
Blackballing journalists and publications is not new in Newfoundland. Former premier Peckford withheld advertising to the now defunct Sunday Express for their reporting. The press and media in Newfoundland has always been divided into those who kiss the seat of power and those who don't.
For the whole sordid tale check out Email Trail and Danny's Thin Skin at Geoff Meekers media blog at the Telegram website.
Is it possible for a journalist to separate reporting and commentary work in a small incestuous market?
Comment Policy
J-Source invites comments on any content items or on any other topics relevant to journalism. Those posting comments are expected to adhere to standards of accuracy and fairness that would be recognized by those who practise, teach or study journalism.
- Comments are restricted to registered users. You must register with your full first and last name in order to be eligible to comment.
- Please communicate as effectively and intelligently as you would in a professional or academic forum, focusing on the issues at hand rather than the characters or characteristics of those involved.
- This forum is intended for discussion of the craft of journalism, not of the issues of the day that journalists cover; please do not post story tips or press releases.
- We moderate the forum for adherence to these standards of discourse, and reserve the right to decline any comment or restrict any user from commenting without giving reasons. Every effort is made to approve valid comments within 24 hours of submission.
 | Support J-Source | ||
 | Best online-only article or series | ||
J-Source and ProjetJ are projects of The Canadian Journalism Foundation in collaboration with leading schools and organizations Editor-in-chief, J-Source: | |||
Opinion: Media's latest stories on Toronto's Mayor Ford a challenge for a court fight
Thank you, Thomas, I'll check it out.
Everything journalists need to know about "Crackgate"
- this whole thing says a LOT more about the state of the press in Canada (I won...
Opinion: The National Newspaper Awards don't reflect journalism in the digital era
The NNAs have been irrelevant for some time now. Basically, the major newspaper chains buy...