Secretary Jewell Meets With Ranchers, Bars Press
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell's decision to exclude reporters from a public meeting in Colorado has sparked significant controversy. The meeting, which was open to the public, saw journalists from Colorado's Craig Daily Press and other outlets barred from attending. This incident has intensified discussions about transparency and press freedom under the Obama administration.
Press Exclusion Sparks Outrage
The Obama administration's strained relationship with the press is well-documented, but the recent incident in Colorado has added fuel to the fire. Local reporters were barred from a question-and-answer session with Secretary Jewell, despite public access being granted. Moffat County Commissioner John Kinkaid expressed his disappointment, highlighting the administration's lack of transparency.
“We were promised the most transparent administration ever and instead we’ve gotten the opposite,” said Commissioner John Kinkaid.
Interior spokesman Blake Androff defended the decision, stating that the meeting was closed to the press to ensure an “open and frank conversation.” However, this explanation did little to quell the criticism.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Noelle Leavitt Riley, managing editor of the Craig Daily Press, criticized the decision, arguing that it undermined the First Amendment. Despite the legal advice that federal officials are not subject to Colorado's open-meetings laws, the exclusion of the press has raised ethical concerns.
The Denver Post editorialized against the decision, calling it “astonishing” and “indefensible.” The Craig Daily Press echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the double standard created by allowing public access while barring the media.
Implications for Democracy
The incident has broader implications for democracy, as it raises questions about the role of the press in public discourse. The exclusion of journalists from meetings under the guise of fostering open discussions sets a concerning precedent.
As the debate continues, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) remains committed to advocating for transparency and press freedom, ensuring that public meetings remain accessible to all, including the media.