Category: Commentary/Editorial || By

Back when I was just a little ink-stained whelp, I thought that reporters and editors could truly remain unbiased and impartial about everything. Now that I'm a full-grown ink-stained wretch, I don't think that any more. The more you report on any topic, the more likely you are to form your own opinions.

But reporters do have to admit that we have those opinions and let people judge for themselves whether we're reporting accurately and truthfully. (Too many publications pretend they're being "fair and balanced" when even an illiterate can tell they're leaning to one side or the other.)

One of the things that readers of this --- or any other --- publication ought to know is whether the writers or editors have any conflicts of interest or biases that aren't being acknowledged.

In a place such as the Mon-Yough area, where everyone knows everyone else, there are many potential conflicts of interest. At Tube City Almanac and the related webpages, I've always tried to point out my biases and conflicts of interest. I have a couple of doozies right now that you should know about, if you don't already.

. . .

First, as some of you know, I'm on the board of directors of McKeesport Heritage Center (which, by the way, has announced plans to change its name to the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center).

As a result of that membership, I have an ongoing relationship with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of McKeesport and I've been helping them on a project. (I've mentioned this conflict before, but it bears repeating again.)

I don't think that it's influenced my reporting on McKeesport city government --- I've just tried to let the facts speak for themselves --- but the potential is there. Decide for yourself whether you can trust me.

. . .

Second --- and this is another biggie --- I am helping the McKeesport International Village Committee with some publicity. Specifically, I've written some press releases and sent them out to various Pittsburgh-area media outlets.

That's pretty much the limit of what I'm doing on behalf of the committee, but since several city elected officials and employees are involved with the International Village committee, it's a big honking conflict of interest.

. . .

Now, I receive no money for any of this work, and no outside entity has any influence on stories posted at Tube City Almanac. No one put any pressure on me, and I haven't put any pressure on anyone else. There are no favors being exchanged.

The only reason I've agreed to do this stuff is because no one else was available or willing. Besides, in the case of International Village, Tube City Community Media Inc.'s mission statement includes promoting and disseminating good news about the McKeesport area. (In other words, we're not exactly impartial anyway.)

(And needless to say, opinions expressed at www.tubecityonline.com are not those of the McKeesport Heritage Center or any other organization.)

. . .

I'm happy to hear (and publish) your comments and concerns. Feel free to post something on this entry or email me at tubecitytiger@gmail.com. Your comments can remain anonymous, if you like.

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