Gov. Mike Pence’s plan — the initial idea, that is — to operate a state-run news organization isn’t sitting well with Hoosier news groups.
The effort, “Just IN,” is a state-funded corps of public relations-minded folks posing as a news service. It’s seen by many newspapers, as well as TV and radio stations, as a Pence propaganda tool. The initial purpose of the service, as described in a document leaked to The Indianapolis Star, was to “break” news ahead of traditional media.
Most observers feel that Pence and his press secretaries would define “breaking” news as what’s good for the state and/or an Indiana conservative agenda.
After the document surfaced, Pence backed away, saying there had been “miscommunication or a misinterpretation.” Misinterpreting your boss’s intentions is no way to start a news service.
Granted, Just IN doesn’t sound anything akin to Russia’s Communist mouthpiece newspaper, Pravda.
Nor is it the same as Anderson’s own administration-approved community TV station that offers videos of local activities including school choir concerts, business discussions and public council meetings. Such transparent broadcasting can allow a viewer to evaluate local events in a relatively unfiltered manner.
Pence’s initial plan, perhaps one of the great missteps in his role as state leader, smacks of using taxpayer funds to promote his agenda. The document leaked to the Star indicates Just IN would report new state information before the information was shared with other media outlets.
Unlike independent news outlets, Just IN would not be compelled to report in a fair, balanced and objective manner, nor would it hold other trademarks of a free press.
What’s wrong with that? Plenty.
Currently, the state issues press releases and notices to the media. These releases are one-sided but informative. In turn, recipient media outlets seek to localize the news, include the perspective of those who oppose the state’s position, provide in-depth analysis and make the articles meaningful for their audiences.
Those news outlets are the public’s watchdogs, constantly pushing government for accountability and transparency. Newspapers and other outlets act independently of state-run media services. That approach helps guarantee an informed public and an open discourse of ideas.
The idea of a state-run news service, limiting the scope of ideas and maintaining one governor’s agenda, roams far from the principles of a free press.
As a result, Indiana news outlets can’t be a watchdog of state government if the state has public relations experts holding the leash. Pence’s Just IN program, as originally vetted, would put the leash squarely in his administration’s hands.