AP says it is reviewing social media policies after firing

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By DAVID BAUDER

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press said Monday that it is launching a review of its social media policies after questions were raised about last week’s firing of one of its journalists who had expressed pro-Palestinian views.

That announcement came hours after more than 100 AP journalists signed a letter expressing concern about how former news associate Emily Wilder was treated. The journalists want more clarity in what can be said on forums like Twitter and Facebook and faith the company would protect them from pressure campaigns.

In a memo to staff members on Monday, the AP’s news leaders asked for volunteers to suggest changes to social media guidelines, with the idea of a committee bringing forth recommendations by September.

“One of the issues brought forward in recent days is the belief that restrictions on social media prevent you from being your true self, and that this disproportionately harms journalists of color, LGBTQ journalists and others who often feel attacked online,” the memo said. “We need to dive into this issue.”



FILE - The Associated Press logo appears on April 26, 2016, in New York. The AP said Monday, May 24, 2021, that it will seek staff input and review its social media policies following last week's firing of a journalist who had expressed pro-Palestinian views. The move came after more than 100 journalists signed an open letter expressing concerns about the firing of the journalist roughly two weeks after she joined the AP. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/social-media-media-business-arts-and-entertainment-55cee73bd1da80790ad4aacf3cb2e339

[Indykatie]

1. I Doubt That She Would Have Been Fired for Pro or Extreme Views on Israel

Treating everything said against Israel policy as being anti Semitic needs to change. It hinders us from controlling Bibi's actions. He knows he can be as extreme as he wants because he can count on the US not seriously questioning his policies and actions.

[Warpy]

2. Good. She should have been reassigned

and not fired. It's a big world and there are a lot of stories that don't include topics where bias might be an issue.

Besides, it's really hard for me to hold what someone said in college against him or her. Saying iit while on the job is different.

You bet they need to reassess their policies, especially the ones that make journalists vulnerable to nitpicking campaigns by social media cranks and trolls.

[dsc]

3. AP is actually claiming she was fired for social media posts whilst an employee

but refuse to say exactly which posts.

[Warpy]

4. Then the story has changed

The original story said it was pro Palestinian posts she made while in college.

I dislike it when the story changes.

My best guess says some zealot following Pan Geller is involved.

[TheRickles]

6. These issues were raised by the College Republicans. An obvious smear that got taken seriously by AP

[Warpy]

7. Thanks, same bunch, different uniform

I sincerely hope she is quietly rehired after they investigate just why they crumpled like cheap suits over a right wing smear.

[TheRickles]

8. Agreed!

[intheflow]

5. Good. Now give Emily her job back. n/t