HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2006-04-24 #B
City of Seal Beach
Agenda Report
Date:
Apri124,2006
To:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
John B. Bahors~
City Manager Y
Golden Rain News - Policy for Letters and Columns (Ybaben)
From:
Subject:
SUMMARY OF REOUEST:
Council Member Ybaben requested that staff obtain information on the policies
concerning letters and columns for the Leisure World Golden Rain News'.
BACKGROUND:
Based on City Council consensus to have more information on the policies of the Leisure
World Golden Rain News, staff requested the assistance of Council Member Levitt.
Council Member Levitt obtained the attached letter dated March 15,2006, from David
Saunders, Managing Editor, which outlines the Leisure World Golden Rain News
policies with regard to letters and columns.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss and take appropriate action.
ATTACHMENT:
March 15, 2006 correspondence from Mr. David Saunders
Agenda Item 8
<<~ NEEN~VS
Seal Beach Leisure World Golden Rein News
March 15,2006
Mr. John Bahorski
Seal Beach City Hall
211 8th St.
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Dear Mr. Bahorski:
Mike Levitt asked that I write you regarding the publication of letters to the editor and col-
umns in the Leisure World Golden Rain News.
All aspects of publishing this newspaper are in accordance with Policies adopted by the
Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors with the oversight and direction of the Golden Rain
Foundation Publications Committee. It has long been the practice of the News to not publish
letters or columns of a political nature, due to their often antagonistic, confrontational and po-
tentially libelous or defamatory content. In fact, press releases announcing political speakers
scheduled for LW club meetings are edited to contain only biographical information and political
affiliation. Any campaigning for candidates or issues is deleted.
The Publications Committee reviewed these practices not long ago, and it was once again the
consensus that current procedures are appropriate.
The News has devoted considerable space to instructions and information about the upcom-
ing mail-in election. Paid advertising space is, of course, available. In addition, Council Com-
ments column space is available for all council members, so long as the topics are not political.
I understand that the City Council discussed freedOlllof speech related to this issue at its last
meeting. Freedom of speech is in no way germane to the News' practice and procedures regard-
ing letters and columns. Certainly no one would argue that the LA. Times or Orange County
Register has an obligation to publish any letter or submission from a politician. This could not be
more true for a newspaper-like publication such as the Leisure World News.
Please feel free to call, email or write me if you would like to discuss this further.
Si~~./
DaVidG.~~
Managing Editor
David G. Saunders, Managing Editor, Leisure World Golden Rain News . Leisure World Telephone Directory
Box 2338, Seal Beach, CA90740 . (562) 431-6586 eld. 384 . fax (562) 598-1617 'email davesaunders@lwsbnews.com