Freedom for Whom?

When public officials bar reporters from public hearings and records, editors and publishers are quick to defend freedom of the press. Last week, in New Mexico, it looked as if all publishers do not practice what they preach. For writing a story that offended members of the parole board, Reporter Dan Byrne of Sante Fe's daily New Mexican was ordered excluded from future board meetings. The decision was handed down by Acting Board Chairman Lincoln O'Brien, owner of four New Mexico dailies (but not the New Mexican) and president of the state press association.

The New Mexican's Editor Joe Lawler asked for O'Brien's resignation from the press association post. Scolded Lawler: "Your stated belief seems incompatible with the historic philosophy of the press association on freedom of information."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.