It's Not a Free Press

My I.D. or press credential when I covered
the Iowa Legislature. 1983/84. 

I read in the paper this weekend that the Iowa Legislature is changing rules for press coverage in the Senate Chamber to keep reporters off the floor while in session.

To explain, when I was a reporter in the Iowa Senate, there was a gallery for reporters to observe and report.  There were designated areas for cameras.  You could walk on and off the floor, but not talk with or interview lawmakers during the session.

The proposed changes essentially move the press area to the gallery that overlooks the Senate chamber, which keeps reporters at arms-length and helps legislators easily avoid reporter questions.

This is a bad idea

It's a trend in legislatures with Republican majorities. 

First, I concede that the news media looks different than it did in the 1980s or even ten years ago.  It seems logical that news organizations and the bipartisan support staff (often called the Legislative Council or something similar) could agree on who meets the definition of a reporter.  As a blogger, I am not a bona fide reporter, I have a limited audience, am not part of a news organization, and am not a regular presence.

These kind of proposals don't rile up the public much.  Why should it?  Most people don't pay close attention to what's happening at the local, state, or national level and many of those don't care whether or not there is a reporter attending committee meetings or asking those in authority for their motives or intention when it comes to approving or rejecting proposals.

It's the kind of thing you expect in an autocracy or dictatorship - not in a country founded on the principal of government by the people and for the people.  Whatever side the debaters take, red or blue, we should be able to give it a thorough hearing.

This is why there are Open Meeting Laws.  They are designed so voters know before a giant widget factory builds on an adjacent lot or taxes are raised.  Open meetings also allow us to know which lawmaker supported or disagreed with the idea.

Freedom of the Press/news media - is one of the building blocks on which our country rests.  It isn't free - it's been paid for with blood, sweat, and tears.  It shouldn't go without a fight.