community newspaper

Started by MichaelS5 • 5 replies • 1834 views

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MichaelS5 (Florida)
Posts: 6

Posted:

The community financially supports our monthly newsletter...the resident in charge of the newsletter publishes negative articles slanted in favor of his views and that of his personal friends...the majority simply want reports from committees and a list of birthdays and anniversaries...they are not interested in grandstanding and sending personal messages....the question is....is it legal/permissable for the president to read a copy before the newsletter is published? He would like to nix certain articles to keep the publication light and at the same time...keep peace in our community. The resident in question did agree to the above with our president and went about publishing what he wanted anyway.

HaroldS (Arizona)
Posts: 906

Posted:

I don't think an in-house organ is subject to "freedom of the press." If the president appointed this person, and this person agreed to allow the president to preview his newsletters, I don't see why the president tolerates it. Unless, it would be difficult to find someone else to do a monthly newsletter - it is a thankless job and the deadline is always lurking there in the background.
The fellow could always publish his own newsletter and as long as he stayed away from slander and libel he could publish his own opinions which the resdients could decide to read or not. Harold

SwanB (Washington)
Posts: 199

Posted:

You did say the community financially supports this newsletter, right? Then the Board mandates the budget, correct? Seems simple to me. When we publish a newsletter which the Board funds through the annual budget; it is the domain of the Public Relations Director but if the contents became questionable, the funding would end.
Just like the real world.

RickW (Illinois)
Posts: 169

Posted:

I've only written on newsletter for our association. I am on the board, but I sent drafts to each board member for their review/edit/approval. If the community pays for the newsletter, the Board should have final approval in my eyes

WilliamT (Arizona)
Posts: 489

Posted:

Posted By RickW on 05/31/2006 7:44 PM

I've only written on newsletter for our association. I am on the board, but I sent drafts to each board member for their review/edit/approval. If the community pays for the newsletter, the Board should have final approval in my eyes

Having each board member edit a newsletter could be a daunting task if all have different opinions. If I were writing a news letter I would not want to have 5 to 7 other people have editing powers.

I would think it would work if there were editorial guidelines drafted by the board. The editor would be required to follow those guidelines, and have the board authorize the President to have final approval of the newsletter before it's published.

Bill

JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412

Posted:

If the association is funding the newsletter, then it should only contain facts and not any biased opinions. I would find someone else to do the newsletter in a more positive manner or not fund it at all.

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