|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
Government Vs
Media
By Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner
Ever since the invention of the printing press by Chinese monks using a
method called Block Printing, 600 years before Gutenberg, the media and
governments seemed to be at war with each other. The media is
looked at by most governments as an intrusion, a menace with a “gotcha”
mentality that is their perception of the truth, or completely made up
happenings from “unnamed sources” that makes a good story and sells
papers, the truth be damned! Media, on the other hand looks at
government as a secretive organization that inherently tries to hide
its evil doings from the pure of heart, and “Guardians of the Republic”
the all knowing media. It is a story of confrontation and
intrigue that has kept us all interested for hundreds of years.
But, does it have to be this way? Do these 2 completely different
organizations with so much in common, have to treat each other as the
enemy? We see it every day in press conferences, in the paper, on
blogs, and websites. How did this happen, and why can’t they both
do their jobs without the confrontation? We see this in the major
media, and federal government mostly, but not so much the lower you get
in Government. For example, in the State of Ohio, Governor Kasich
has for the most part been treated fairly. The Columbus media
does not always agree with him, and some editorials can get nasty, but
they seem to have a mutual respect for each other, and the Governor and
the press seem to talk frequently. The media in Darke County and
the Commissioners get along very nicely. Why? Where is the
contentiousness and suspicion with Government? I think that is
easy to explain; we are open and convenient for each other. The higher
in government you go, the less accessible they become. I can tell
you right now, we are so fortunate to have 2 papers (The Daily Advocate
and The Early Bird) , radio (WTGR), and electronic media, (County news
Online, Bluebag Media and Darke Journal) that cover us. All of
them have easy access to us, and more importantly for the
Commissioners, we have easy access to them. I know myself that I
do not look at the media as an adversary, but an ally. The media
helps us get our message out there and lets you the people know what we
are doing. We try not to hide what we are doing up here, so
having the media so close is easy for us. I for one like the fact
if I need something to get out, I can call The Advocate and the others
and tell them about it or can send them all e-mails and ask to have it
put out for people. If they have any questions, they only have to
come to the office or call, or e-mail us their questions, simple, easy,
and effective.
I truly enjoy my interactions with our media. They have all
become friends. Herein is the area that can be troublesome.
If we do something that the media questions, and thinks is wrong, will
they say so in their stories? Will they be willing to report the
negatives, too? I hope so! I can separate friendship from
my business, I have always been able to, and I know they can too.
They have to, it’s their job. When I was elected, I told
Christina Chalmers of the Advocate that if I goofed up, I expected her
to print it. She said she would have no problem doing her job,
and I believe her, she is a strong lady. Bob Robinson of the
Early Bird and County News online told me that he was going to watch me
like a hawk! I appreciated that, and Bob and I have a good
relationship based on friendship and our desire to do our jobs,
whatever the consequences.
The reason for this rambling, if you will, is to let the people of
Darke County know that you are getting the whole story from our
media. They have done a great job, and do their very best to get
the story right. We appreciate that. We may not be happy
with everything all the time, but they are fair, and honest which is
all we ask. The next time you read the paper, or a blog, or
website, and it is a story of what is happening in local government,
take the time to thank your local media. They work hard to keep
you informed. They get trashed a lot by some of us, but all in
all, they do a great job, and they have the awards to show it.
Think of this; where would we all be without them? How would we
possibly find out what goes on? We would have to rely on face to
face communication, and rumors. We all know how that goes, don’t
we?
So, to Christina Chalmers and Stacie Ward of the Advocate, Bob Robinson
of the Early Bird and County News Online, Alex “The Voice of Darke
County” Micas, and Scott Ward of WTGR radio, and John Liette of Darke
Journal, Thank You! Thanks for the hard work, and for putting up
with me and the others (mostly me!), and for keeping your readers and
followers informed. It is not an easy job, but you all do it so
very well! (Well, maybe just o.k. for you Bob!!) Sorry, just had
to take the shot!
Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner
|
|
|
|
