DFO: Activist Sure to Make News on NIC Paper Staff

Issue: Hess’ new job sure to make news: European-American activist joins NIC Sentinel staff /D.F. Oliveria, Spokesman-Review

More Info: (NIC Sentinel) Managing Editor Alison Atwell and News Editor Holly Bowen shouldn’t be intimidated by (European-American activist Stan) Hess’s age or philosophy. When asked for advice to give Sentinel editors, Spokesman-Review Editor Steve Smith responded: “They are in charge of workplaces, just as we (professional editors) are. They’re the ones who set the ground rules. They can address attitude, interpersonal behavior, respectful communication, et cetera. They can also assign stories, spike stories and keep out of the paper anything they find inappropriate or offensive. That’s not censorship. That is news judgment. It’s censorship only if Hess can’t find a tree somewhere to post his rants.” And if Hess objects and causes a disruption? Smith said the editors should fire him on the spot and call campus security.

Question: Will Hess be a team player and learn to set aside his political views? Or will he cause problems and be asked to leave the staff?