I would like to explain a little about how a newspaper/online daily operate.
There have been a few individuals over the course of time that do not like what appears in publications and ours are no exception (MooseJawToday.com and Moose Jaw Express), because it may draw a negative light to them or someone they love; this could be in sections like City Hall Council Notes, Provincial Court Rulings or possibly an article.
We have accredited journalists/reporters that report on what is covered. The City Council and Provincial Court articles written contain public information that has been presented in a public forum and is available for publication. Our job is to present the information to the public in a straightforward and honest manner without prejudice as it has been presented to us. If we have written something in error that is not accurate, we have always been happy to publish a correction if the error is ours. Our journalists usually tape the information presented to ensure accurate reporting. If the information that has been presented to us is not accurate, it is then the duty of the entity that made the mistake to correct it or let us know they made the error.
People take note, we write and publish the news; we do not make it. It is sadly unfortunate that some may not like their name in print, especially in a negative connotation like in the sections noted above, but the community has the right to be made aware of what’s going on whether it be criminal activity within our city and region or otherwise. Unfortunately, we cannot take preferential treatment to one individual above another asking us to remove an article that is public information. It is also very unfortunate that many who have violated the law are dealing with many hardships, we acknowledge that but just as the courts have to do what they do, we also have a job as media to report the news.
Of another note, columns and letters to the editor are of a different breed, as they are written in the eye of the beholder and may include certain controversial views. For those wishing to make their voice known, we are happy to receive letters to the editor for publication with their name attached to qualify the content. Letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected]
