[Peace-discuss] IMC Reporter Kicked Out of Press Conference

[Marti]

I just got off the phone with Rene Dunn. When I asked her about what
happened on Friday she told me that she is working with BD on this. I also
asked her what criteria does the Champaign Police Department use to
determine who is, and isn't, a member of the press.  She told me that she
would need to discuss this with Chief Finney and that she would get back to
me on this.

 

When law enforcement agencies are allowed to determine who is, and isn't, a
member of the press this can set a dangerous precedent. Anyone who writes
for a newspaper be it the News-Gazette, the Public I, or the Daily Illini
has the right to consider themselves members of the press. The same holds
true for someone who writes for broadcast and cable.  What happened on
Friday and the fact that Ms. Dunn managed to avoid addressing my concerns
shows that the Champaign Police Department has a marked preference for
reporters who will provide favorable coverage.

 

If there is anyone else who feels that Chief Finney and the Champaign Police
Department was wrong in refusing BD admission to the press conference I urge
you to speak out. I'm open to ideas on how we can best advocate on behalf of
the public right to know.

 

Marti Wilkinson

 

  _____  

From: peace-discuss-bounces at lists.chambana.net
[mailto:peace-discuss-bounces at lists.chambana.net] On Behalf Of Brian Dolinar
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 5:03 PM
To: discuss at communitycourtwatch.org; stop at iresist.org; Peace Discuss
Subject: [Peace-discuss] IMC Reporter Kicked Out of Press Conference

 

There was a press conference called by Champaign Police Chief R.T. Finney on
Friday, June 08, 2007 at 1 p.m. This was a chance for Finney to explain to
the press, and to the public, what happened the previous night in Westside
Park when three Champaign police officers were shot. The officers hurt
included John Murphy, Jack Armstrong, and Shannon Bridges. They were shot by
Donnell Clemons, a black man who was homeless and had a history of mental
illness. He could frequently be seen walking around town mumbling to
himself. Officer Bridges was shot in the shoulder and a bullet pierced her
left lung, but is stable. Donnell Clemons is in critical condition. 

I walked into the press conference which was full of members from the local
press. I sat down next to Steve Bauer of the News-Gazette and we said
"hello" to one another. I got out my pencil and paper to take notes.

I was then approached by Troy Daniels, Deputy Chief of the Champaign Police
Department, and asked to step out of the room. At the back of the room, I
told Daniels that I was a member of the press. Chief R.T. Finney then
stepped up and told me I was not a legitimate member of the press. He said,
"I choose who I want to talk to." I told him he could call Rene Dunn,
assistant to the chief of police for community services, to confirm that I
was indeed a member of the press. Finney said, "Rene Dunn works for me." 

Rene Dunn was hired in early March to handle the press. I spoke with her
several times after the March 30 incident where Champaign police sent a 17
year-old black youth to the hospital. She then verified that I was a member
of the press. I was given access to the police blotter. Dunn gave me her
card and she has been very forthcoming in answering my questions. 

I talked to Dunn on the phone after the press conference and she told me it
was not in the wishes of the chief that she grant me press credentials. Dunn
said it was "my mistake." I asked her if Champaign supported freedom of the
press. She did not answer my question.

Troy Daniels and another officer escorted me out of the press conference
like a common criminal. As we were standing outside, I had the opportunity
to thank Daniels for fulfilling my FOIA requests. He has completed two of my
FOIA requests that I had requested back in February. On March 1, 2007, I met
personally with Chief Finney and Trisha Crowley about my FOIA requests. I
told them I was a journalist for the Public i newspaper and the
Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center. They questioned my about my
intentions and agreed to answer my FOIA in an amended form. Crowley sent me
a fee waiver form to complete as a member of the press, which I signed and
returned.

Despite Finney's attempt to control the press conference, one tough question
was asked by a reporter for conservative radio station WDWS 1400. He asked,
"When the officers approached the man, did they say anything to him, was
there any contact with him that may have, or could have, provoked this
shooting?" 

Finney replied with contempt, "Provoking someone shooting us is an absurdly
ridiculous question."

I was kicked out of the press conference because, as an independent media
journalist, I have been consistently asking tough questions of Chief Finney
and the Champaign Police Department. Finney reacts as if all questions of
his department are "absurdly ridiculous."  If the Champaign police
department was to have its way, the local press would simply reprint their
press releases.

As Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr. says, "We've got freedom of speech - so long
as you don't say the wrong thing."


Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com 

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