[txhurl]

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=bc8628c780c2a319

Media access starting to be restricted

‘Reporters were also forbidden from visiting areas on the far West End of FM 3005, Thomas said. She did not explain why.
‘

[CindyDawg]

HMM. Well in health care , staff are forbidden to talk with reporters. All questions must go thru administration. It’s been that way for years and protects patients so I see no problem with her directive. She can’t tell the folks sheltered not to talk to reporters though but I’ve noticed that many seem reluctant to do so. I wonder what’s up with that.

[SE Mom]

Ok- so there’s an FAA no-fly zone- media restricted access and no discussion about how many folks might be missing.

ALL of this may be completely innocent- and a result of chaos, shock and mis-communication.

At the same time- the reporter at Channel 13- after confronting Gov Perry yesterday - said he reported on Katrina- was there the next day- and they were allowed EVERYWHERE- even to the grimmest areas- there was no attempt to hide from the press. He suggested if the authorities are having problems with getting a LOT of press people in- just send one reporter for now.

The point he kept trying to make is that we only see this kind of thing in 3rd world countries- not in America.

The problem is- because they’re not letting anyone down there- the citizens of Texas, their friends and families don’t know if there is something really serious- or if it’s just typical bureaucratic nonsense exacerbated by the chaos.

[LA Woman3]

Editorial: Media blackout is bone-headed

By Dolph Tillotson
The Daily News
Published September 15, 2008


The city of Galveston made its first serious misstep in handling the Hurricane Ike crisis, but it’s a big enough mistake that it almost outweighs the many good things city leaders have done.

The misstep was clamping down on the flow of information out of Galveston Island. Now, by order of Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas, the only city officials who may speak to the media are Thomas herself and City Manager Steve LeBlanc.

So, reporters who had been getting solid information from the police and firemen, from the police chief and fire chief and other city department heads no longer may do so.

Meanwhile, if Monday is any indication, Mayor Thomas and LeBlanc plan press conferences that are few in number, brief in duration and at which they answer few questions. Monday’s noon press conference lasted about half an hour, and the pair answered only five questions.

Editorial: Media blackout is bone-headed