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Local newspapers are the cornerstone of local democracy. Over the years, Argus has prepared politicians and councils through its local correspondents, from the late Adam Trimingham to local democracy correspondence today, Sarah Baker Lewis. Sarah attends every meeting of the Council and reports on deliberations and the wisdom of the advisers at times. She is doing that so we do not have!
Politicians love the media when their case is reported positively. But they can take a somewhat different view when the coverage is less convenient. However, they should be grateful for the presence of newspapers such as Argus, which has been soothing in praise and criticism over the 45 years I have read.
I am sure that Argus will continue to provide fair and balanced coverage for local government, sports and daily life in Brighton and Hove. In doing this, it provides a great public service. I am grateful to Horus and its newspapers as I am for local politicians who, likewise, serve the audience, work exceptionally long hours, and often not recognized and often unlikely. There may be a healthy tension between the two.
Good local journalists are aware of the need for a continuous relationship, and they are not interested in rid dirt for its interest. They are, in my experience, decent and moral. He was approached by Adam Trimingham to say that a very harmful claim was submitted against me by a great politician. I was shaken, I asked him if I could get a few minutes to think about how to respond. He said there is no need to respond. When I asked why not, he said: “Because it is not true. I do not run the story. I thought you wanted to hear what is being said.”
National media is a completely different monster. They have no interest or a little need to take care of a continuous relationship other than the largest politicians. By providing the deadlines and working in a competitive market, they do not have to think about the consequences of their stories or the damage they may do to their victims.
Social media feeds the culture of openness and honesty within the organization. I know that when I was working in BHT Sussex, my openness has suffered some of my colleagues and many members of the Board of Directors. But most organizations, not the least of which are charities, have nothing to hide. In today’s world, if you try to suppress bad news, it will inevitably come out. Covering, not crime, is usually more harmful. This was the first and most severe lesson by former US President Richard Nixon.
I like the approach adopted by the former conservative deputy, Louise Minche, when she faced a journalist with allegations of drug use and strange behavior twenty years ago, and went on social media to “spoil” the story by saying that she was sure of that, but she could not remember that the appointed accident had had many similar occasions!
The city is very fortunate for the presence of Argus. It is popular in some circles to ignore it. Some local politicians say they never read it. I heard some say they actively avoid this, claiming that they are not getting a fair hearing. How fool. How amazing. A local newspaper is the cornerstone of democracy. Yes, politicians will not like, not the least of whom are leaderships, everything is covered. This is one of the purposes of local paper – light lights with some preferred that it has not shine.
Like mountains, the media should not be afraid, but must be respected. Prepare well, keep vigilant, and enjoy the experience. For politicians who do not read Argus, I say: “Overcoming yourselves. Argus should be mandatory daily reading.” Contribute to articles. Write messages. Enjoy it. Anger with that. The most important of all, read it. Argus is one of the precious assets of the city and must be proud.
Andy Winter is a former consultant in social welfare and displacement services for 40 years
