The Democratic National Convention is the current topic of most newsroom chatter. A recent event involving the arrest of ABC reporter/producer Asa Eslocker has certainly sparked a debate.
Yesterday, on a public sidewalk in Denver, Eslocker was trying to take pictures of Democratic senators and VIP donors when he was arrested and handcuffed by the Denver police. He works for the ABC News investigative unit and was covering the impact that wealthy donors and corporate lobbyists had on the party.
The charges against Eslocker were trespassing, failure to follow a lawful order, and interference. He posted bond earlier today.
So why is this an issue? Consider something with me for a moment. These rich, "important" donors and lobbyists were meeting with senators at the Brown Palace Hotel. Apparently, the police arrests came after complaints from the hotel.
Really, now. We know that an elite group of wealthy and politically-powerful people control much of American life, but how far will they take that power? Will they disregard the Constitution in order to save their own skins?
Eslocker and his ABC colleagues were working on a "Money Trail" report for Charles Gibson's news show. They were trying to expose just who these donors were, and what was going on behind the scenes financially. These men and women showed complete disregard for the press when they (obviously) made the hotel go to the police.
The reporters wanted to take pictures of these highly influential lobbyists and donors. On a public sidewalk. During an event that is crawling with media representatives.
So what are they hiding? For them to thwart investigate journalism, that was completely legal and on public property, these Democratic big-whigs must have had some major dirt to cover up, right?
The freedom of the press is a foundation principle in our country's Constitution. This seemed like a giant dose of political disrespect for the press. I will continue to follow this story as it develops more.
Be sure to follow the link to the video of this arrest.
Also, feel free to read others' opinions, and then leave a comment here with your own take on this event.
SEP. 3, 2008 -------
I just wanted to add an extra update on this issue for those who were concerned over the arrests of these journalists. There was another controversial arrest, this time of three reporters for the DemocracyNow! show, in Minneapolis during the Republican National Convention. They were covering riots taking place outside, and two were arrested even when they yelled "I'm press!" Then Goodman, one of their colleagues and the third reporter arrested, was taken into custody when she questioned the police officers. It seems to me like our police forces have never read the Constitution and have no idea what they are doing! They should all be required to learn about the freedoms this country provides to the press before they are allowed to man the streets. They should be well-trained enough to know the difference between those who are rioting and those who are there reporting on the event.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Hello, world.
Here is the first of many posts related to issues in the mass media. I look forward to this semester! :)
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