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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRepublican leadership bars journalists from Iowa Senate floor, worrying press advocates
When Iowas 2022 legislative session commences Monday, there will be a notable absence on the floor of the state Senate: reporters.
Republican leaders in the state Senate told journalists last week they will no longer be allowed to work on the chamber floor, a change that breaks with a more than 140-year tradition in the Iowa Capitol. The move raised concerns among free press and freedom of information advocates who said it is a blow to transparency and open government that makes it harder for the public to understand, let alone scrutinize, elected officials.
The new rule denies reporters access to the press benches near senators desks, a proximity current and former statehouse reporters told The Washington Post is crucial for the most accurate and nuanced coverage. The position allows reporters to see and hear everything clearly on the Senate floor and to get real-time answers and clarifications during debates.
Beginning this session, reporters will be seated in a public upper-level gallery.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/01/08/iowa-senate-journalists/
What evil shit are they up to?
madaboutharry
(40,211 posts)They keep telling us. We need to believe them.
dalton99a
(81,512 posts)Faux pas
(14,681 posts)Effers.
Skittles
(153,160 posts)repukes like to adopt the fascist ideas of other states
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)How many states allow that?