Local newspapers are the cornerstone for local democracy. The Argus has, over the years, held politicians and councils to account through its local government reporters, from the late Adam Trimingham to today’s Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Booker-Lewis. Sarah attends just about every council meeting and reports on the deliberations and occasional wisdom of councillors. She does it so we don’t have to!
Politicians love the media when their cause is being positively reported. But they can take a rather different view when the coverage is less favourable. Nevertheless, they should be grateful that there are newspapers like The Argus which has remained even-handed in lavishing praise and doling out criticism over the 45 years that I have been reading it.
I am confident that The Argus will continue to provide fair and balanced coverage of local government affairs, sport and everyday life in Brighton and Hove. In doing so it provides an great public service. I am as grateful to The Argus and its journalists as I am to local politicians who, likewise, serve the public, working exceptionally long hours, often not acknowledged and frequently unappreciated. And long may there be a healthy tension between the two.
Good local journalists understand the need for an ongoing relationship, and are not interested in dishing the dirt for its own sake. They are, in my experience, decent and ethical. I was once approached by Adam Trimingham to say that a very damaging allegation had been made against me by a senior politician. Shaken, I asked him if I could have a few minutes to think through how to respond. He said that there was no need for a response. When I asked why not, he said: “Because it’s not true. I’m not running the story. I just thought you would want to hear what was being said.”
The national media is a completely different beast. They have no interest or little need to nurture an ongoing relationship other than with the most senior politicians. With filing deadlines and working in a competitive market, they don’t have to consider the consequences of their stories or the harm they might do to their victims.
Social media nurtures a culture of greater openness and honesty within an organisation. I know that when I was working for BHT Sussex, my openness unnerved some of my colleagues and many Board members. But most organisations, not least charities, have nothing to hide. In today’s world, if you try to suppress bad news, it will inevitably come out. It is the coverup, not the offence, that usually is the more damaging. That lesson was first and most harshly learned by former US President Richard Nixon.
I like the approach adopted by the former Conservative MP, Louise Mensch who, when confronted by a journalist with allegations of drug use and outlandish behaviour twenty years earlier, went on social media to ‘spoil’ the story by saying she was sure it was all true but she couldn’t remember that particular incident as there had been so many similar occasions!
The city is very fortunate to have The Argus. It is popular in certain circles to ignore it. Some local politicians say that they never read it. I have heard some say that they actively avoid it, claiming that they don’t get a fair hearing. How foolish. How arrogant. A local newspaper is the cornerstone of democracy. Yes, politicians, not least those in positions of leadership, will not like everything covered. That is one of the purposes of the local paper – shining a light where some would rather it was not shone.
Like mountains, the media shouldn’t be feared, but should be respected. Prepare well, remain vigilant, and enjoy the experience. For politicians who don’t read The Argus, I say: “Get over yourselves. The Argus should be compulsory daily reading”. Contribute articles. Write letters. Enjoy it. Get infuriated by it. Most of all, read it. The Argus is a precious asset for the city and should be treasured.
Andy Winter is a former councillor who worked in social care and homelessness services for 40 years
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