Sam: Semanko Argument Ridiculous

Sam ( Semanko: Allred aide should quit Idaho Press Club ): The only concern I have is that Andersen is a board member. In this case, because Semanko is whining, it seems best for Andersen to just not be on the board as of now. I see no problem with him being a member of the IPC. Again, the IPC doesn’t at all dictate news coverasge. If Semanko is arguing that he’s more ridiculous than I already thought he was. The IPC is largely there for journalists to know what other journalists around the state have been doing in their career and for recognition of good work (i.e .~ awards each year). They also work to ensure that there is a free press in the state, the courts are open and that open public meetings and public records remain just that. For Semanko to argue that someone, whoever they’re stumping for, shouldn’t be involved in an organization that fights for transparency seems a bit odd to me. Full post below.

Question: Sam argues that Shea Andersen should quit his position as a board member of an Idaho Press Club chapter to shop Norm Semank’s ‘whining,’ if nothing else. What do you think?

DanOfTheCounty — well you asked.

For full disclosure, I’m a former member of the Idaho Press Club and I have some awards from this organization. If I didn’t live in Washington, I’d still be a member.

I’m a bit perplexed by the issue. On one hand, I see why someone might be concerned about a member of the Idaho Press Club helping with the campaign of a politician.

But on the other, when you put it all in context, Mr. Semanco’s complaints are befuddling and don’t make sense.

First, the Idaho Press Club isn’t some type of all-controlling organization that dictates the work journalists in the state do.

Being a member doesn’t mean they’re going to tell you what to do. Far from it.

So I have no clue why it would affect Andersen’s ability to be a member of the IPC and help with a campaign.

Second, it’s obvious that former journalists are still allowed to retain membership. That’s similar to the Society of Professional Journalists, a much larger, influential organization in which PR professionals are still members because they’re former journalists.

Third, no, Dan, I don’t think every PR person has a journalist background, though I do think those with reporting in their blood happen to be the best spokespeople.

Fourth, the only concern I have is that Andersen is a board member. In this case, because Semanko is whining, it seems best for Andersen to just not be on the board as of now. I see no problem with him being a member of the IPC.

Again, the IPC doesn’t at all dictate news coverasge. If Semanko is arguing that he’s more ridiculous than I already thought he was.

The IPC is largely there for journalists to know what other journalists around the state have been doing in their career and for recognition of good work (i.e .~ awards each year). They also work to ensure that there is a free press in the state, the courts are open and that open public meetings and public records remain just that.

For Semanko to argue that someone, whoever they’re stumping for, shouldn’t be involved in an organization that fights for transparency seems a bit odd to me.

Again - the organization doesn’t have anything to do with editorial coverage. It’s one thing for Andersen to be involved in a publication still (he’s not), it’s another to be involved in a cheerleading organization.