It seems our esteemed editor of the local Lazy C, ol Lefty Lou Brancaccio himself, hosted a Bocce Ball Tournament at his home recently that has drawn notice for the guests in attendance. Or, as Lou describes it, Bocce bedlam
And no, it isn’t those of us often critical of the paper and Liberal Democrats raising their eyebrow over it, but a prominent member of C3G2, Michele Wollert that senses a conflict of interest in an editor hosting those he is also expected to be critical of for fun and frivolity into his home.
On the C3G2 facebook page Michele asks;
“Should journalists and editors socialize with politicians? What are the risks to both? Journalists: do they suffer a loss of credibility/objectivity? Politicians: do they risk being the target of negative media attention for declining to socialize?”
“How can a sitting editor invite a select list of politicians to his home and not seem biased in their favor?”
“Worse yet, how can a politician safely decline such an invitation?”
“Some people would say that socializing does not equal editorial endorsing. But, perception is everything. Maybe it is best to steer clear of any controversy.”
While some commenting don’t seem to quite grasp what she is asking, Michele Wollert raises an interesting and very relevant question given the deep division seen in the county today.
The paper has long been accused of Liberal bias and being unfair towards conservatives and Republicans. But it can also be seen that he did invite a few known Republicans to his party.
But it is also recognized that the Republicans in attendance aren’t wholly supportive of Brancaccio’s arch adversary, County Councilor David Madore, the brunt of numerous editorials highly critical of his conduct and actions.
Remember, this wasn’t a public event or a social function where we often see a wide mix of citizens attending, but a private party at his home.
And no, there is no law against such an invitation or attending and enjoy the hospitality offered, but as Michele sees it and I agree, it does bring about an ethical quandary or conflict of interest where we have long complained about a lack of objectivity with the local newspaper, especially considering that at least one of the Republicans in attendance is a sitting County Councilor that recently voted to restore the paper as the “county newspaper of record” that will see them receive thousands of dollars each year from the county for legal notices.
It is also unknown just who all was invited and declined to attend.
But, I can only imagine the critical comments, editorials and blog posts from the paper had such a party been hosted by the editor of the Reflector shortly after they were named the “county newspaper of record” when the County Commissioners removed it from the Lazy C back in 2014 and awarded the Reflector with it.
I do believe there would have been loud cries of “conflict of interest” along with more lynch mob mentality written into weekly Press Talk editorials had such a party occurred.
And again I must note that while there is no law against such an invitation or attendance, there is the appearance of impropriety in regard to any claims of objectivity from the Lazy C, as some C3G2 commenters also note.
Had the party been hosted by any citizen with both Brancaccio and elected officials in attendance I doubt that appearance would exist. But with it being hosted by and at Brancaccio’s home the very weekend after his newspaper was once again named the “county newspaper of record,” well, I think you can see how that looks yourselves.
I also must acknowledge with this that within minutes of Lazy C being awarded again, Brancaccio, for some reason, emailed me with only the word “Boom” in it. He never replied when I sent back “????.”
Michele also brought up the point of potential retribution by the paper against any elected officials that might decline, another interesting thought given we have also seen in years past Brancaccio’s actions towards those that publicly speak against his editorial tactics or announce canceling their subscriptions as this blog noted in Lou Brancaccio and Chicago Bullying Tactics?
I must give Michele Wollert credit for bringing up this intriguing set of questions as I also wonder where is the Lazy C’s effort to heal divisions within the community, divisions I also must say they helped create.
By all accounts everyone had a good time and it was a successful party.
But maybe next time it should be hosted by someone else if there is to be a mix of elected officials and newspaper personnel we hope to be objective and critical to all, not just select ones.
Capiche?
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