January 20, 2010 – Daily Brief

I would love to see a Code of Ethics implemented for the Signal. Not a self regulated one either. I actually have a different opinion of the Signal than what Dave Bossert indicates. I don’t think the Signal is pro City at all. I’ve written many letters in support of the Extreme Neighborhood Makeover program and community preservation effort some of which they refused to publish. But they certainly published a pack of lies and misinformation from the “poor mistreated Bonelli residents”. They never published the Community Preservation Officers side of the events, the actual applicable ordinances and when they went into effect (some as far back as 1927), or why they choose that tract (the most complaints by neighborhood residents!). They never mentioned that those Bonelli residents were all personally called by Tina Haddad (City Manager’s office) to assure them everything was on hold pending meetings with Bonelli residents BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEETING where they all protested. They published a letter from a guy from COVINA on this topic though!!! They also gave TimBen a forum for his “save the people from the City” rhetoric. Pro City, I don’t think so. Journalistically unethical, you bet.

While I believe The Signal has some major issues such as follow-up and investigation into their stories, I dont agree with Mr. Bossert’s point of view. I highly doubt that the City has control of what is printed in the papers and that they manipulate the spin as pro-city. Of course the City releases press releases to The Signal and other various media. But its ultimately up to The Signal if they print it. Blame The Signal for merely printing the City’s copy of the press release and not following up to do some investigation into it. I dont think the City is to blame or suggest that the City has influence on The Signal because The Signal merely chooses not to do additional work to follow through. Once again, while I believe The Signal has issues with its reporting, I dont think its because of the City. The City now has various outlets it uses to spread the word out such as facebook, its “City Call” blog, twitter, etc. which I think gets their agenda out their way and doesnt even need The Signal.

The problem with the Signal is that if they didn’t get leads and stories from the city… they’d probably have nothing much to write about. So its the whole “don’t crap where you eat” notion… That being said… the level of journalism certainly leaves something to be desired… but what can you expect from a small-town paper? They don’t have the budget to pull reporters away from the LA Times. The Signal needs to step up its editorial oversight… No doubt.

These complaints usually emanate from people who have an axe to grind. If the Signal is upsetting BGH, then they are in good and sensible company. Sorry.

Mike Devlin: Funny how that works. Your ok with a one sided presentation until it something that hits home for you, no doubt. Like so many others, my opinion does not matter because it most likely differs from yours. But you will be the first to agree we live in a democracy. Is that not one of the reasons we as a country are in a quandary. Everything has to be either one way or another. My view does not count but yours does. No middle ground, no respect for other perspectives. I’m ok that you don’t agree with me. In fact, I’m pleased you don’t.