Nixon, press haggle over technology at first news conference
Nixon at his first press conference as governor
The administration of Gov. Jay Nixon started its relationship with the press much as the last governor ended his: with a conflict over the use of technology.
Reporters who showed up to cover Nixon’s first news conference were told they had to leave their cell phones at a reception desk. Members of the Capitol press corps revolted and demanded reasons. “Security reasons” was the response given by Nixon spokesman Scott Holste, who said it was Nixon’s policy and the governor wouldn’t budge.
At that point, reporters started talking about walking out of the news conference before it began (and I took out my cell phone and Twittered the news at www.twitter.com/tonymess). Holste went back to the governor’s private offices, and came back with the verdict. Reporters didn’t have to give up their cell phones.
Asked after the news conference about the policy, Nixon communications director Jack Cardetti said he didn’t believe the cell phone policy had anything to do with security.
“The governor believes when meetings are taking place in the oval office .. that everybody should be focused on the task at hand,” Cardetti said, noting that staff and others who are invited to meetings in the governor’s office follow the same policy. But Cardetti said the policy would not apply to the press, many of whom use their cell phones for reporting purposes.
During the news conference, reporters also noticed a new tiny camera above one of the doors. The camera feeds to a screen on a secretary’s desk that allows her to know when meetings have begun or are finished in the office, Cardetti said. He showed curious reporters the screen that captures the feed. The meetings are not recorded, he said.
Ah, technology.
Here’s a question for the next news conference:
Technology exists to make emails available to the public over the internet, at very little cost to the state. Will the Nixon administration seek to maximize the public benefit of the sunshine law by implementing such a system during your first year in office?
Press 1, Governor Nixon 0.
Nixon’s policy and the governor wouldn’t budge? Seems like he fell over backwards to accomodate the press.
Ah, the pampered Fourth Estate!
If there is now a camera (as is pointed out in Tony’s posting above) that is recording or broadcasting all meetings in the Governors office, should not this be covered under the Sunshine Law and allow the feed to be streaming video on the internet so that we, as taxpayers, can see what is happening in the meetings of our governmental officials? Isn’t this type of camera and taping what got the first ‘Mr. Nixon’ in trouble in the 70’s?
Spoiled brat governor - even at his age.If it weren’t for his father’s money he would not have gotten to first base in politics. All those terms as attorney general because he couldn’t get elected to a higher position anytime there was a quality candidate running against him. Get a grip Jay!
At last others are beginning to see how “charming” this governor will be. “My Way or the Highway Jay” seems to be his way of handling situations.It will be a long four years, that’s for sure!!
Gee Jay, when you were the AG, you had probably at least 100 news conferences. I can’t remember you banning cell phones for securities reason during this period. But now it’s an issue?
C’mon Jay, we’re NOT stupid. Just ask the reporters to turn them off or on ring silence. It’s just simple common sense. Do any of you get it yet?
What a way for Nixon to start out. It isn’t the end of the world but just plain stupid on their part.
Incompentence or minor deception at work also. Holste and Cardetti are not on the same page. Holste says it was done for security reasons. Cardetti then says says it is because cell phone are distracting.
If they are recoding meetings those recodrings are subject to the sunshine law.