A precarious relationship: Palin and the media

A slew of recent media reports have targeted Sarah Palin's decision to not allow reporters into her speaking engagements--even when they are on public property. 

Ultimately, it's an issue of public accountability. And while Palin's denial of the media may be the most newsworthy at the moment, the issue is universal when it comes to journalism. 

Lee Wilkins, professor of radio-television journalism at MU, recently addressed the issue with Palin, along with the broader idea of public accountability, during "Views of the News," a weekly radio show on KBIA--Columbia's NPR station.  

One of the questions that surfaced during the show: How do reporters essentially sidestep those who are obstructing us from keeping people accountable? 

My suggestion:  Don't be lazy, and get out out of your comfort zone.  It's a sentiment also echoed by "Views of the News" panelist Charles Davis, MU professor of journalism studies and executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition.  During the segment he said that we need to keep public people accountable by essentially keeping them on their toes. 

I agree.  It may not be comfortable to call the mayor of Columbia at home; however, it is not about you. Its about keeping those who live in this city apprised of the many governmental events that surface on a daily basis. It may not be comfortable to show up unannounced at a public official's office seeking comment. Still, it is a duty of a journalist. And if we fail, so does democracy--albeit a little bit at a time. 

Regarding Sarah Palin, how can one report on an event that is closed to the media? Panelist Lynda Kraxberger, chairperson of MU's convergence journalism sequence, urged reporters to attend the event as a blogger or a guest.  

While I am not a fan of deception, being creative in an effort to obtain information that could impact peoples' lives is a job of a journalist. 

 Don't be lazy. It sounds simple (and it is).