Aggressive partisan politics has put Guelph in the national spotlight following the robocall scandal.
Partisan politics also appears to be at the root of a number of vexatious requests of City administration, prompting this response by staff.
Recently, the City struggled to address several requests for information from an anonymous individual claiming to be affiliated with an online news outlet.
We recognize this as an opportunity to give some thoughtful consideration of the opportunities and challenges of social media and government.
The City is committed to open, honest and respectful communication with media representatives and City spokespeople are encouraged to participate in interviews with journalists and bloggers who:
• identify themselves and any affiliation they may have with print, broadcast or online media outlets
• conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Canadian Association of Journalists’ Principles for Ethical Journalism and Ethics GuidelinesWe reserve the right to refuse anonymous media requests, or requests from individuals who do not conduct themselves in an honest and respectful manner.
Employees are not obliged to respond to requests for information that include:
• profane, threatening or other inappropriate language
• content considered defamatory, disrespectful or insulting to city staff or representativesNOTE: The City provides all citizens with access to municipal records under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Contact the City Clerk for more information.
Updating Guelph’s media relations policy
The City plans to continue our work exploring the opportunities and challenges of social media, and to further seek the ideas and perspectives of our community – perhaps by way of a symposium later this spring. Staff