State of MN behind on the times...

According to an e-mail I received from Andy Driscoll, a local journalist, the State of Minnesota does not allow online journalists into proceedings as they do other journalists.

What does this mean for the future of the state? What does this mean for online media in Minnesota? I just found this pretty interesting.

James

Here's the text from the e-mail:

The House of Representatives, chaired by DFL Majority Leader Tony Sertich, has been refusing to allow online journalists the same credentials for covering floor sessions and some committee hearings, especially if cameras and microphones are used. Journalists everywhere are rising to appear at a hearing of this committee tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb 24) at 12:00 Noon in the State Office Building to testify in favor of an amendment to the rules to allow online journalists access to the same sessions and places as other news organizations - newspapers, radio, and television outlets.

It's time for the Minnesota House and Senate to enter the 21st Century and recognize the legitimacy of all media - online and otherwise, new and old - and to treat all journalists equally under the law and the rules. These are public institutions and are subject to public scrutiny and accountability by any and all news-gathering and commentary personnel.

For the record, TruthToTell's own correspondent, Marty Owings, also an online radio host and blogger, was yanked out of a public committee hearing today as he tried to monitor and record the public proceedings therein. TruthToTell will discuss the status of Twin Cities and Minnesota journalism, including the new wave role of online journalists on March 4 at 11:00AM.