Dallas County district attorney Craig Watkins has ordered his staff not speak to the media. Some prosecutors are afraid they’ll be given a pink slip if they talk to a reporter without permission, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“We don’t know what you’re reporting on, and it would be great if we could give you the information in a way that needs to be given to you,” Watkins said. “The idea was to streamline this … At the end of the day, it works better for all of us when we have a centralized system, and the information is disseminated correctly.”
“A way that needs to be given to” the media doesn’t sound confident or honest. It sounds, Mr. District Attorney, like you’re trying to control the information released. Luckily, TCC has been transparent about its decisions and information when it comes to the media.
TCC was sued in a federal court for violating free speech rights almost a year ago. The transparency and honesty from the school and the lawyers involved helped shape a positive recovery and rebuild a trusting relationship with TCC’s student body.
But Watkins’ decision to build a wall in front of the media shows trust issues and a lack of confidence with decisions he and possibly his attorneys are making. If the office has nothing to hide, then the media shouldn’t have to go through public relations for basic information like the correct spelling of names, clarification of witness testimony or explanations of aspects of the law.
TCC’s public relations department, faculty and staff understand the importance of trust within a community via the media. With a few exceptions, the school has been open in providing information and returning phone calls not just about good news for The Collegian and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, but with the bad as well.
When board of trustees member Robyn Winnett was arrested in a shoplifting case, TCC didn’t try to sweep the incident under the rug.
But it isn’t just the willingness to communicate through the touchy subjects that The Collegian appreciates. Instead of having to go through divisional deans or the PR department to find answers for simple information on upcoming campus events, reporters can go straight to the source.
This openness has helped unite all five campuses and the TCC community. TCC has shown responsibility, honesty and trust when facing any situation alongside the media.
We cannot thank them enough for helping reporters and student journalists to work smoothly in their career field or for giving the district an approachable, trustworthy, comfortable feeling.
We hope this relationship stays the same for semesters to come.
