March 27, 2003

Communique Barred from City Press Conference

On my agenda for today was a 10:30 AM press conference at the Justice Center to discuss issues relating to the ongoing protests. But, in its infinite wisdom, the City of Portland instead decided to hand me one of the sweetest stories for which any journalistically-inclined person could ever hope.

They barred me from attending.

Now, before certain observers go hogwild and begin piling on about a wannabe weblog journo whining about being kept out of the media club, let me give some background.

Early last week, I attended a press conference at City Hall to discuss "Operation Safe City." In fact, prior to doing so, I specifically called the office of Sarah Bott, the Mayor's communications director, to ask if there was a specific process by which people gained access to City news conferences.

Bott told me, in no uncertain terms, that such media events were "open" and that they did not "restrict access" to them.

That self-same Sarah Bott today gave instructions that I was not to be allowed entrance to the press conference at the Justice Center. Despite her earlier stated assurances that such events were not closed, she specifically barred me from attending today's.

Here's how it went down.

Upon arrival at the Justice Center, I dutifully explained who I was and for what publication I wrote. Although asked for official press credentials, the officers at the desk were satisfied to take down some information from my ID, while one officer asked if there was anyone they could ask about me.

I, of course, based upon my prior experience, referred them to Sarah Bott by name, explaining that she should know who I was. An officer went off to find Bott and confirm that I could attend the press conference. I was instructed to take a seat while that officer went to check with Bott.

Every now and then, an officer would pass by and ask either myself or another officer what I was doing there, the situation would be explained, and everyone would go about their business.

As 10:30 AM approached, a female officer came over to me and said that I shold just come up with her, and if I wasn't supposed to be there, they could just kick us both out.

Once upstairs and inside, this officer began asking around for the officer who had gone to check with Bott, since neither of them were in the room at that moment. She also asked after the whereabouts of someone named "Terry."

That very Terry then entered the room. I'm not certain if she works for the Portland Police Bureau or for the Mayor's Office, but when asked by my "police escort" about Bott, Terry explained that she and the officer sent to find her had just gone downstairs to come tell me that I was not being allowed to attend the press conference.

I pressed her for an explanation, but her only response was to ask if I had any "identification from a corporation." Beyond that, she just checked to see if I had Bott's telephone number so I could take it up with her after the news conference.

My escort then took me back down to the lobby, where we had obviously managed to miss Bott altogether. As of this writing, I have not yet spoken directly to her, but have a call in to her office asking that she call me back and explain the reasons behind her decision.

I know there are local media people as well as city staffers who read this site. If any of them have any particular influence, feedback, or advice, I ask them to please get in touch.

Oh, and a final footnote: While waiting in the lobby to see if I would be "cleared," I watched them grant entrance to a man from the Portland Business Alliance. Last time I checked, the PBA was not a media organization.

Posted at 11:54 AM | PermalinkComments (2) | TrackBacks (2)
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