This is the future that ultra liberal Editor Jack McElroy has brought Knox County. Yet he won press awards and accolades from the more ultra liberal minded folk. Not satisfied with making the Mayor’s office more powerful by the Sunshine Law McElroy now has decided to cross the line of editorial advocacy by printing the KCP petitions. That is participating in the process and is expressly prohibited by the E.W. Scripps Ethics Policy.

http://www.asne.org/index.cfm?ID=395

From the E.W. Scripps Ethics Policy:

POLITICAL ACTIVITY

“The Company remains independent in all political matters and will not make monetary contributions, directly or indirectly, to political campaigns or causes, or to political parties. Moreover, its officers will not make such contributions acting on behalf of the Company. Rare exceptions may be made to this prohibition, but then only if permitted by law and approved by the President of the Company.

Although the Company is independent in all political matters, employees are encouraged to register to vote, with party affiliations, and to vote. Employees may pursue their own personal political activities, but may not, either inadvertently or intentionally, represent their personal views or contributions to be those of the Company. Employees must avoid any suggestion that their relationship with the Company constitutes an endorsement of any kind.

Journalists and others working in newsrooms must abide by a more restrictive standard, given the disinterested neutrality from which news organizations must work. They must not serve in elected or politically appointed positions. They must not participate in political fund-raising, political organizing, nor other activities designed to enhance a candidate, a political party or a political-interest organization. They must not make contributions of record to political campaigns nor engage in other such activity that might associate an employee’s name with a political candidate or a political cause.”

How many violations of the Scripps Ethics Policy will Editor McElroy violate by actively participating in collecting signatures for KCP? At least five violations. This is the problem with Elitists. Rules and policies do not apply to them. At least in their minds.

If you find this to be an egregious violation of the public trust you may directly contact the E. W. Scripps company at 1-888-397-4911. This number will be answered only by the Ethical Program Director who will insure the matter is investigated, and that appropriate confidentiality is maintained.

By Number9 on 06.24.08 11:22 am

Terry is correct, KNS never offered to print the wheel tax petition. Most of their editorials were in fact critical of the referendum.

I would also like to add that I am against both white and orange petitions being circulated. Both have provisions to limit voter input and are a step towards metro government. For those whose saw me on Chanel 10 news last week, as usual they only played a small part of the interview and made it sound like I was supporting their effort. I will not be signing the either petition.

Thanks,

Gary Sellers

By Gary Sellers on 06.30.08 8:55 am