Press Gallery Grumbling Again

[betsy]

So, they said Harper was trying to avoid the question of a CBC reporter (who had worked herself towards the front) during a brief scrum. Mike Duffy is still noticeably irate about the "ban" of the press in certain areas in Parliament hill, and the press gallery are grumbling. However, it also revealed that apparently Harper is cooperating with various local news agencies.

That explains why La Presse journalist was baffled by the complaint regarding the unavailability and "inaccesibility" of Harper..to which he said he'd had no problem at all.

Mind you, when Harper went to Afghanistan....the privileged press gallery had more news about his increasing waistline. And when he met with Bush and Fox, all they talked about was his jacket.

So Harper is now giving the small local guys the opportunity this small privileged bunch have had all along...

Well, this press gallery had been spoilt by the previous government. And they had acquired the same culture of entitlement. That disease is quite contagious I suppose.

A representative of the press is hoping that Harper and his ministers will have a "cooling off" period. She sounded ready to meet the new admin half-way....and work out a way with them.

[cybercoma]

So, they said Harper was trying to avoid the question of a CBC reporter (who had worked herself towards the front) during a brief scrum. Mike Duffy is still noticeably irate about the "ban" of the press in certain areas in Parliament hill, and the press gallery are grumbling. However, it also revealed that apparently Harper is cooperating with various local news agencies.

That explains why La Presse journalist was baffled by the complaint regarding the unavailability and "inaccesibility" of Harper..to which he said he'd had no problem at all.

Mind you, when Harper went to Afghanistan....the privileged press gallery had more news about his increasing waistline. And when he met with Bush and Fox, all they talked about was his jacket.

So Harper is now giving the small local guys the opportunity this small privileged bunch have had all along...

Well, this press gallery had been spoilt by the previous government. And they had acquired the same culture of entitlement. That disease is quite contagious I suppose.

A representative of the press is hoping that Harper and his ministers will have a "cooling off" period. She sounded ready to meet the new admin half-way....and work out a way with them.

Can't say I blame him; after the relentless assault on his character that had taken place before he became Prime Minister, I wouldn't be very forthcoming with them either.

[shoop]

I read today that the press is *happier* with the access they are getting to Harper now. However, they have been grumbling about the access they have to ministers. Sounds like they are a tough lot to please.

[geoffrey]

Pick up the phone and call them. Go to their office and speak to them. Dig up some dirt like in the old days.

We just have a lazy press group in Canada that refuses to go past the press conference room for information.

[gerryhatrick]

Yes. The media is the enemy.

The media is eeeeeeevil.

I searched EVERYWHERE and couldn't find even ONE story that wasn't about his jacket!!!

Man, when he went to Afghanistan, ALL THEY WROTE ABOUT was his fat stomach!!!

[scribblet]

So, they said Harper was trying to avoid the question of a CBC reporter (who had worked herself towards the front) during a brief scrum. Mike Duffy is still noticeably irate about the "ban" of the press in certain areas in Parliament hill, and the press gallery are grumbling. However, it also revealed that apparently Harper is cooperating with various local news agencies.

That explains why La Presse journalist was baffled by the complaint regarding the unavailability and "inaccesibility" of Harper..to which he said he'd had no problem at all.

Mind you, when Harper went to Afghanistan....the privileged press gallery had more news about his increasing waistline. And when he met with Bush and Fox, all they talked about was his jacket.

So Harper is now giving the small local guys the opportunity this small privileged bunch have had all along...

Well, this press gallery had been spoilt by the previous government. And they had acquired the same culture of entitlement. That disease is quite contagious I suppose.

A representative of the press is hoping that Harper and his ministers will have a "cooling off" period. She sounded ready to meet the new admin half-way....and work out a way with them.

Can't say I blame him; after the relentless assault on his character that had taken place before he became Prime Minister, I wouldn't be very forthcoming with them either.

Thats my take on it too, not just Harper but, Preston Manning and Stockwell Day both suffered the same fate too. Granted Stockwell was an easy target, but I think they went over the top with him. I'm guessing but I think that maybe part of the reason for the rise in Harper's support is because the public kind of like what they see with the press, as in, its about time somebody stood up to them.

[shoop]

It seems like a really nasty battle. Yesterday the reporters lined up, in an order the Press Gallery decided, to ask questions. When Harper tried to let somebody who wasn't in line ask a question the guy wouldn't (despite raising his hand). So Harper left.

Very, very interesting little battle going on.

Thats my take on it too, not just Harper but, Preston Manning and Stockwell Day both suffered the same fate too. Granted Stockwell was an easy target, but I think they went over the top with him. I'm guessing but I think that maybe part of the reason for the rise in Harper's support is because the public kind of like what they see with the press, as in, its about time somebody stood up to them.

[Black Dog]

Pick up the phone and call them. Go to their office and speak to them. Dig up some dirt like in the old days.

We just have a lazy press group in Canada that refuses to go past the press conference room for information.

Here's what I don't understand: if the media were as fat and complacent as you say, surely this arrangement (wherein the PM and his stafers spoon feed them their nibbles) would be ideal.

The more I think about this kerfluffle the more it's becoming apparent that Harper is adopting a communications strategy that centres around access for favourable coverage (something that worked quite well for the guy down south for most of his time in office).

Now, I've little doubt the Hill press corps is full of compacent hacks: however, there's two things that make me side with the press: one, Harper ran on a platform of accountability and transperency, two elements that are not reflected in his media policy. Two: I don't like Harper, I don't trust Harper and firmly believe his strategy here is to keep the media clare of the loons in his caucus.

[shoop]

No real need to state your dislike for Harper so explicitly. It's painfully obvious in your posts.

Hmmm, his access to information plan makes transparent the actions of a number of groups the media coudn't access before.

This is simply a different way of doing things.

Now, I've little doubt the Hill press corps is full of compacent hacks: however, there's two things that make me side with the press: one, Harper ran on a platform of accountability and transperency, two elements that are not reflected in his media policy. Two: I don't like Harper, I don't trust Harper and firmly believe his strategy here is to keep the media clare of the loons in his caucus.

[Spike22]

Excellent keep the wolves at bay. By having complete unrestricted access to the ministers this will hopefully keep them out of hot water making some dumb comments however all polititians having huge ego's must be driving them crazy by not being able to get in front of a camera at every opportunity.

[shoop]

The fight has really gone too far.

Harper's got to find a way for the Press Gallery to "save face" out of this deal.

Another good test of his readiness to be a majority government PM.

[Nocrap]

The fight has really gone too far.

Harper's got to find a way for the Press Gallery to "save face" out of this deal.

Another good test of his readiness to be a majority government PM.

We just have a lazy press group in Canada that refuses to go past the press conference room for information.

To me it would seem more prudent to be open with the media then risk having them go past the press conference room.

As to his spare tire - couldn't care less but his reheated Bush speech left me unimpressed.

As to his hunting vest in Mexico - he looked like the President of the National Citizens' Coalition - not the Prime Minister of Canada.

[fixer1]

Nocrap it is so obvious that you dislike Harper, it would not matter what he wore or did, you would not like it. I believe that his attempt to bring in an accountability act is very good and it is just one thing that the Canadian people have voted for. It is probably the one of the 5 five priorities that everyone should be able to agree on. I do think that the other parties may even make suggestions that will make it even more accountable, as this is one time that they all can show that they have turned a new leaf so to speak. Anyone going againt this initiative is not going to be held high in the next elections. I do think this was watered down some, so other parties can and will make input and there by have a chance to make it an all party bill.

I think that is the smart way. But I am sure your feelings for Harper will make you see this differently.

[Nocrap]

Nocrap it is so obvious that you dislike Harper, it would not matter what he wore or did, you would not like it. I believe that his attempt to bring in an accountability act is very good and it is just one thing that the Canadian people have voted for. It is probably the one of the 5 five priorities that everyone should be able to agree on. I do think that the other parties may even make suggestions that will make it even more accountable, as this is one time that they all can show that they have turned a new leaf so to speak. Anyone going againt this initiative is not going to be held high in the next elections. I do think this was watered down some, so other parties can and will make input and there by have a chance to make it an all party bill.

I think that is the smart way. But I am sure your feelings for Harper will make you see this differently.

I'm all for an accountability act, so long as it means that he too must be held accountable. However, I believe the topic here was his handling of the media.

Since he maintains this 'cloak and dagger' approach to politics, he leaves himself open to media scrutiny. If he won't give them a believable stroy (and not just Hill & knowlton sound bites), they have to report something. If that means attacking his ponch or his attire, than so be it. Canadians elected the CPC to office and want to know how and what they are doing.

I hope they pick away at him until he once again makes government transparent; allows MP's elected to speak for us, speak; and prove that he can handle a little criticism -a must for anyone in political office.

[shoop]

I heard the story about the press conference Harper walked out of.

Julie Van Dusen stood at the front of the line and was attacking Harper. There is a fine line between tough-nosed journalism and attacks. Van Dusen is notorious for having no idea where the line is.

Harper is the Prime Minister of Canada. He deserves to be treated with respect. If Van Dusen can't deal with that ... then I guess it is going to be war.

How long will the Press Gallery rally around Van Dusen?

Since he maintains this 'cloak and dagger' approach to politics, he leaves himself open to media scrutiny. If he won't give them a believable stroy (and not just Hill & knowlton sound bites), they have to report something. If that means attacking his ponch or his attire, than so be it. Canadians elected the CPC to office and want to know how and what they are doing.

I hope they pick away at him until he once again makes government transparent; allows MP's elected to speak for us, speak; and prove that he can handle a little criticism -a must for anyone in political office.

[southerncomfort]

Nocrap it is so obvious that you dislike Harper, it would not matter what he wore or did, you would not like it. I believe that his attempt to bring in an accountability act is very good and it is just one thing that the Canadian people have voted for. It is probably the one of the 5 five priorities that everyone should be able to agree on. I do think that the other parties may even make suggestions that will make it even more accountable, as this is one time that they all can show that they have turned a new leaf so to speak. Anyone going againt this initiative is not going to be held high in the next elections. I do think this was watered down some, so other parties can and will make input and there by have a chance to make it an all party bill.

I think that is the smart way. But I am sure your feelings for Harper will make you see this differently.

Its painfully obvious, doubt that nothing Harper can or will do would meet with approval, tunnel vision I guess. Reminds me of the Bush haters on another forum, hatred blinds people to other points of view. Guess hatred is too strong a word, intense dislike would be better.

[Hicksey]

I think they're used to leaders like Bush handing them a literary sword and asking to be slain with it. Now that Harper is in office he's got his party only speaking when there's something to announce. Read the news once in a while these days. Since Harper isn't feeding them, they are engaging in supposition and most news stories have transformed into editorials.

It just means they're going to have to go back to the old fashined way of working for a living. They'll get used to it and eventually we'll see stuff worthy of reading.

[shoop]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Harper won't back down outta principle. There will be some accommodation but you won't see any Martinesque dithering backdown.

This is really only a story to the National Press Gallery and political junkies.

If we see mass protests in the streets on the issue maybe the PMO will change direction.

[scribblet]

Maybe Harper is just taking back some control from the press which has had too much control over politicians ?

The press is supposed to report the news, not make it or shape it, for the time being I'm enjoying them getting their knickers in a knot over it.

[BubberMiley]

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press. He can run on transparency and accountability and then shut the door when he gets elected, but we'll see whether that strategy works for him. My guess is it backfires horribly come the next election.

[shoop]

Ahhh, there is the rub.

He is using the press. The National Press Gallery is just upset that he is choosing to use local media instead of them. Why exactly would that create a backlash?

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press. He can run on transparency and accountability and then shut the door when he gets elected, but we'll see whether that strategy works for him. My guess is it backfires horribly come the next election.

[Argus]

Pick up the phone and call them. Go to their office and speak to them. Dig up some dirt like in the old days.

We just have a lazy press group in Canada that refuses to go past the press conference room for information.

Here's what I don't understand: if the media were as fat and complacent as you say, surely this arrangement (wherein the PM and his stafers spoon feed them their nibbles) would be ideal.

They were fat and content when it was a Liberal government. Now that it's a Conservative government they want to confront every minister and try and pose theoretical questions that will get them into trouble and cause the Tories headaches. Oddly, the Conservatives don't seem to be cooperating.

The more I think about this kerfluffle the more it's becoming apparent that Harper is adopting a communications strategy that centres around access for favourable coverage (something that worked quite well for the guy down south for most of his time in office).

The policy under the Liberals has been quite clear. You do puff-pieces and you'll get continued access, private interviews, invites to parties and events, and treated like one of the boys. You write anything nasty and you get left out. The press gallery was quite content with that. Their interviews with Liberal ministers (with very few exceptions) tended to be so cozy you had to wonder if they were paid political ads. Ministers were never confronted, and in the event a question was asked which they didn't want to answer they were permitted to dodge around it without challenge.

Now, I've little doubt the Hill press corps is full of compacent hacks: however, there's two things that make me side with the press: one, Harper ran on a platform of accountability and transperency, two elements that are not reflected in his media policy.

Harper said his government would be open to the people, not that he would be at the beck and call of a smug, arrogant, anti-Conservative media.

[Argus]

A prime minister has an obligation to communicate to Canadians, and the way we do that in this country is through the press.

Harper can communicate with the people any way he wants to. He is under no obligation to put himself at the media's disposal, much less to only ask questions of the media members the media pack itself chooses will get to ask him questions. I find it astonishing the press gallery would dare to try and tell Harper who he could and could not take questions from. Of all the arrogance!

[Montgomery Burns]

A very interesting article, related to this topic, by conservative pundit Paul Jackson:

I actually warned Manning, Day and Harper to stay away from the CBC, Star and Globe and every other media outfit of a Lib-Left bent.

[scribblet]

As the article says, "Prime Minister Stephen Harper has good reason not to trust the Eastern-based Lib-Left dominated media." He is at some point going to have to give them a bit more, but when he's ready I guess.