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Changes to traditional news access create potential barriers at all levels of reporting

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by Stan Zoller, MJE

A move by the leadership in the Iowa state senate to prohibit journalists from working on the floor has implications far beyond the Des Moines statehouse. Student journalists, whether at the collegiate or scholastic level, need to keep an eye open for similar moves.

According to a report in the Cedar Rapids Gazette:

“…Republican leaders in the Senate told journalists last week they will no longer be allowed to work on the chamber floor, a change that breaks with a more than 140-year tradition in the Iowa Capitol. The move raised concerns among free press and freedom of information advocates who said it is a blow to transparency and open government that makes it harder for the public to understand, let alone scrutinize, their elected officials…”

The keywords are “concerns among free press and freedom of information advocates who said it is a blow to transparency and open government that makes it harder for the public to understand, let alone scrutinize, their elected officials.”

Closing the gate on access to accountability by elected officials is cause for concern not only for journalists, but to news consumers who count on a free and open media to report on actions of lawmakers.

While this is at a state level, such actions at the county and local level could pose problems on local constituents knowing what is happening in their own backyard. This includes school boards.

So why the action? The Gazette report notes that a Republican leader said the move was precipitated because of “…the “evolving nature and definition of ‘media.’ As non-traditional media outlets proliferate, it creates an increasingly difficult scenario for the Senate, as a governmental entity, to define the criteria of a media outlet.” To no surprise, there was no comment available from the Iowa GOP.

brown wooden chairs inside building

So what’s the big deal? It’s this – it puts up a barrier between discussions among lawmakers and media who, as public watchdogs, should have access to the workings of a public body. 

As student journalists sharpen their skills in “nontraditional media” they too may be subjected to embargoes on practicing their craft. It’s important to note that journalists were not banned from covering the Iowa senate, just working on the floor.

So, what’s the big deal? 

It’s this – it puts up a barrier between discussions among lawmakers and media who, as public watchdogs, should have access to the workings of a public body. 

It’s not clear how “nontraditional media” is defined, but odds are it’s a reference to today’s instant access via social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook that prohibit lawmakers from rephrasing remarks that could conceivably come back to haunt them. Digital video and audio recordings provide records that show how lawmakers can waiver on a position. 

Media outlets have been quick, and justifiably so, to show such wavering at the national level, especially during coverage of the House Committee Investigating the Jan, 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capital.

With more interference at School Board meetings by special interest groups, district administrators could, sad to say, eye similar measures to keep dissenting views out of the media.

It’s a fine line for student journalists and journalism educators – tow the company line or advocate and teach not just the fundamentals of journalism, but the principles that surround it – transparency, being a watchdog and giving a voice to the voiceless.