When Someone Attacks a Watchdog, Ask Who Benefits From Muzzling It …
The recent opinion piece in the Reno Gazette-Journal attacking Our Town Reno made a few waves, with elected officials and self-proclaimed political pundits rushing to pile on their criticism. But before joining this bandwagon, perhaps we should pause and ask some uncomfortable questions.
We could question how and why the RGJ decided to publish this piece could it be their declining readership. Sure. how many reporters do they still have on staff and pause to ask yourself can they use the controversy to gain views, you betcha. Thus the RGJ becomes a player in this media circus.
Isn't it curious how quickly certain officials embraced this critique? Our Town Reno has built its reputation on shining light into the shadows of local politics, exposing questionable decisions that some would prefer remain hidden, and profiling people that other media outlets simply do not listen to or interact with. When someone attacks a watchdog, always ask who benefits from muzzling it.
We should consider: Did this "concerned citizen" write independently, or was he encouraged by those same officials who've felt the sting of Our Town Reno's reporting? The enthusiasm with which they amplified his message suggests, at minimum, a convenient alignment of interests.
What does the author stand to gain? Political aspirations often begin with currying favor. There's no faster track to the inner circle than offering yourself as a shield for those in power. Today's critic might be tomorrow's candidate, basking in the support of grateful officials.
When someone works to discredit a media outlet that holds power accountable, we must question not just the criticism itself, but the ecosystem that nurtures and rewards it. Transparency serves everyone except those with something to hide.
This is the second time many people in the political world have attempted to attack Our Town Reno. The first attack came when Our Town Reno dared to publish a police report about a certain elected councilmember and a elderly gentleman who had a dustup at a local wine bar about a month or so ago. The attacks launched at Our Town Reno were simply savage. It was all but a lynching.
True journalism isn't about making friends. Perhaps that's precisely what makes Our Town Reno so valuable—and so threatening to some.
Picon Staff