People are so mad at the governor of Indiana

Mike Pence plans to start a Web site where one might find state press releases. He called it a "news service."

People commenced to lose their shit.

» Former Indianapolis Star reporter to oversee governor’s new state-run news service JIMROMENESKO.COM

Why?

 

Because that's how he walked it back. That's not what was originally said.

"We expect reporters to find the site useful, and some features are designed specifically for media professionals. Just IN, however, will function as a news outlet in its own right for thousands of Hoosiers — transparent in functioning as a voice of the State of Indiana's executive branch," according to one document.

Also, a "Web site where one might find state press releases" doesn't need a managing editor (who just happens to be a former journalist), nor does it need an editorial board, both of which this particular venture has.

It's an attempt to circumvent traditional media, like the Jeter site for athletes. An independent media being overtaken by a house organ is never a good thing, but especially bad when it comes to government.

 

What is he overtaking?

 

He's trying to circumvent the traditional media, in hopes that his "news" service will become the primary destination for "thousands of Hoosiers," not unimportantly in a mostly conservative state where he can play off anti-"lamestream media" sentiment. One might call that an attempt to "overtake" traditional media.

And the walking it back the way he did is complete and total bullshit. He says the new site is the same old monthly calendar with a different look. Yet, in his own internal documents, it is called the "Indiana state news service." Multiple times.

Terminology matters.

 

When the Qatari government brought its state-run news agency to the United States, a lot of my fellow left-leaners celebrated its arrival.

 

Well, then, a lot of your fellow left-leaners don't understand the necessity for a robust, free and independent press.

 

What restrictions is Mike Pence placing on the free and independent press by placing all his government's press releases in one place on the Internet?

 

That wasn't his original intent and you know it.

Again, it was a blatant attempt at circumvention. Until he walked it back.

 

Of course he wants to circumvent the news media!

Who cares?

 

From the original Indy Star story:

Gov. Mike Pence's state-run news outlet will compete with media

"At times, Just IN will break news — publishing information ahead of any other news outlet. Strategies for determining how and when to give priority to such 'exclusive' coverage remain under discussion," according to a question-and-answer sheet distributed last week to communications directors for state agencies.
The Pence news outlet will take stories written by state communications directors and publish them on its website. Stories will "range from straightforward news to lighter features, including personality profiles."

How is that different than a press release?

And, if it is, in what way is it an affront to journalists?

 

How can a free press survive in a world where the Leviathan is putting out stories like this on its own?

[GOV] Agriculture Leaders Convene for the Inaugural Indiana Governor’s Agriculture Conference - 1/16/2015 - IN.GOV