Dear editor,
We write to express concern about the new media policy recently instituted at Ithaca College. While President Rochon claims that this is merely a way to “facilitate” interviews, it should be recognized for what it really is—an unnecessary and bureaucratic attempt to control access to information and decision-makers at the college. This new policy creates a layer of PR between journalists and their sources so that the college can make sure every story is spun to its liking.
In practice, this policy will mean that student journalists working on tight deadlines will end up with many more instances of “could not be reached for comment” in their stories. It will also mean that the administration, not the student reporters and editors, get to decide who is the most “appropriate” person to comment for a story. That is a real blow to transparency and openness at a college that supposedly prides itself on a world-class communication program. We expect this kind of controlling policy from secretive government and business entities, not from an institution that claims to cherish academic and press freedoms.
As graduates of Ithaca College and former editors of Buzzsaw, we ask that the school rescind this policy and restore open communication between student media and administrators.
Sincerely,
Kiley Edgley, ‘06
Emily Gallagher, ‘06
Jeremy Levine, ‘06
Jessica McCoy, ‘06
Emily McNeill, ‘08
David Cooper Moore, ‘06
Kate Sheppard, ’06