Last week's Drink & Debate mayoral forum, attended by more than 200 guests at the Read House, provided few surprises by either Rob Healy or Thomas Smith. The two candidates did their part by mixing with the crowd before the debate — and staying on message. Smith issued passionate calls to focus on the plight of the poor while Healy reiterated his commitments to curbside recycling and nixing the homeless campus.
The biggest story of the night, despite statements by YPAC's Tiffanie Campbell and moderator Jeff Styles about a previous commitment to a Salvation Army dinner, was the absence of Mayor Ron Littlefield. From attendees to those watching the debate online and commenting on Twitter, everyone was talking about it. And as merely the latest in a string of other scheduling conflicts —including the Chamber, Brainerd, Highland Park and Eastdale forums— we have to ask, is discontent approaching critical mass?
Not so fast, Billy. There is one other small problem. That is, it seems the local media has had just as many scheduling conflicts as the mayor. Neither the Times Free Press nor the local TV news stations covered the YPAC debate, and only WTCI's Tennessee Insider has questioned Mayor Littlefield about his failure to appear before his constituents at these forums.
Let's be clear. The incumbent mayor has an obvious advantage in name recognition and media attention (ahem), and it is his perfect right —and arguably in his best interest, politically— to decline invitations to certain forums. Whether his absences are relevant to his re-election bid is ultimately up to the voting public, but how can the public judge the absence fairly when it doesn't know about a forum taking place?
The media might be complicit in furthering the status quo and failing in its duty to the public when outlets decide not to cover election events because the mayor does not attend. Is this journalism or public relations?
Zack Littlefield on Feb. 23, 2009
Again, to clarify - The mayor was asked back in December to speak as guest of honor at the Salvation Army's Volunteer Appreciation banquet the same evening as YPAC. YPAC was informed of this conflict nearly a month before the Drink and Debate event was to take place.
This post mentions the events that the mayor did not attend, however fails to mention those that he did participate in. All of which, from what I could tell from viewing online, where very similar in discussion and topic.
While I do not live in Chattanooga - as an advertising and PR practitioner in Denver/Boulder for several years, perhaps I can help shed some light on this scenario given my experience working with Denver's mayor, as well as Denver's more than five broadcast outlets and two major daily newspapers.
As much as we'd all like them to, a mayor of any city simply cannot make it to every single event that merits invitation. The reality is that these days, neither can the media. It's hard to grasp just how many things a mayor (and a media outlet for that matter) is invited to, or asked to cover on a daily basis. I can't tell you have many times my coworkers and I pitched relevant and worthy events to the mayor and the local media outlets here in Denver to no avail. We received the same excuses - scheduling conflicts and what have you.
I'm not sure about the media landscape in Chattanooga, but I can tell you that in Denver most of the broadcast and print media outlets have been forced to make huge staffing cuts over the last two years due to the economy and the shift to online media consumption. Denver's oldest newspaper, the Rocky Mountain News, will likely (and sadly) disappear entirely in the coming weeks if no buyer is found. As a result of this ongoing "shrinkage" (not a Seinfeld reference), many of the events here in Denver that would have normally received ample print and broadcast coverage only two years ago, no longer make the cut. There simply aren't enough reporters and camera crews to cover everything given the smaller staffs. This shift in the media landscape has had an effect on other industries as well. Not only are media outlets shrinking, but the PR firms and advertising agencies that once made their money securing stories and advertisements in the pages and segments of these outlets are also taking a hit. In fact, the 35 year old PR/Ad/Marketing agency where I worked the last 3 years closed its doors completely at the end of January partially due to the drastic changes that have occurred in the media landscape recently. As much as I'd like to say that PR still has a strong role in journalism - it just doesn't. Visit any PR firm Web site these days and they'll all scramble to tell you that they are now "social media" experts.
That's where Web sites like Chattarati come in and do a great job. You guys are able to report on the events that other outlets often can't attend - or may not even know about. You guys can stream events and offer the opportunity for the community to engage with their own thoughts and comments. In fact, despite the mayor's absence, I watched the YPAC debate from my kitchen table here in Denver. I couldn't have done that on WRCB or the Times Free Press site. Pretty cool. We have similar outlets here in Denver as well, and frankly I get most of my local Denver and Chattanooga news from these types of outlets - as well as a much more in depth perspective on music and entertainment options. Let's face it, this is where media is headed. More and more, people are getting their information from blogs, video sharing and social networking sites. Anyone expecting the newspapers and TV outlets to provide coverage of everything they want to know about these days is risking huge disappointment.
As far as a mayor's schedule goes, many times when we would invite Denver's mayor to attend an event, debate, fundraiser or what have you he would not be able to make it - even when he was up for his reelection. On the few occasions where he would be able to appear- he would often only be able to stay long enough to make a few remarks before having to leave for another engagement. It was never anything personal - just the reality of a very demanding job.
Again, if you feel like your questions are not being heard, I'd strongly recommend visiting his Web site, Facebook page or Twitter account and sending him an email. He'd be happy to answer as your questions and concerns ARE important.
Thanks, (and sorry for writing a book here - good topic)
Z
Robert T. Nash on Feb. 23, 2009
The entire email "paper" trail - A CITY OF CHATTANOOGA PUBLCI RECORD - confirming that Mayor Ron Littlefield had a scheduling conflict precluding him from participating in the YPAC forum has been posted in its entirety on this very site...
Laura J. Crutchfield on Feb. 24, 2009
I strongly feel that Mr. Littlefield is running for cover. After his (sub-par) performance in relation to misusing the VW logo in his campaign literature, with an almost 'aw shucks that's how we do it in The South' apology' firing several people who were 'rocking the boat' (one of which is running against him); and wasting taxpayer dollars on issues that should be taken up by faith-based organizations (homelessness); Ron is about finished. Stick a fork in the dude!
And I'm glad. Because he is just too old, too status quo, and too out of touch (waaay out of touch) with younger Chattanoogans to deserve another term. Reminds me of George Bush, Sr. and that trip to the department store during '91 Christmas season where he held up his granddaughter's socks & said Americans need to boost the economy with purchases.
btw, I strongly feel Zack had better things to do then write this mini-book. Smells like Richard J. Beeland (Media relations guru) has been reading the blog sites & looking for ways to improve Mr. Littlefield's deplorable image. Nice try. I am not amused.
Zack Littlefield on Feb. 24, 2009
Nope - Laura, it really was me who wrote it. Unfortunately it's hard for me to stay out of this campaign, even from 2000 miles away. I mean come on - wouldn't you want your dad to win?
Just offering my two cents on this topic since I know why he wasn't able to attend - regardless of what you may choose to believe. And trust me, I am fully capable of speaking for myself, although it sometimes lacks the keen articulation of what you call a "media relations guru." I realize that I'm probably the only one who visits this site that disagrees with what you're saying. I guess I just feel that aside from our political differences in the city election, we probably share a lot of common interests as young professionals - which is why I opt to participate. (call me a glutton for punishment)
I like to come here and read about what's happening with social media in Chattanooga, the city's creative professionals, local events, Create Here and what not. I grew up in Chattanooga and you guys are involved in many of the same activities that I am out here in Denver. So naturally I find it interesting.
The reality is that every time I visit this site I am usually distracted by things I find difficult not to dispute. Perhaps what would be best for me would be to accept that I'm trying to hang out in the wrong clubhouse and just move on.
Election is a week away. The people will vote for their choice and that will be that. Fork or no fork.
Respect,
Z
Editors on Feb. 24, 2009
Laura, Zach has been a fairly regular commenter both here on the blog and on Twitter, so we're pretty confident his words are his own.
For the record, we are aware -- as are most of our readers -- that the mayor had a legitimate scheduling conflict the night of Drink & Debate. The fact remains that a lot of people are frustrated by his absence, and our post acknowledges that.
Thanks, Zach, for engaging with us. I think we can agree that healthy, respectful debates can be good for everyone.
Zack Littlefield on Feb. 24, 2009
I understand and respect your frustrations. Again, I appreciate the open forum.
On a side note - kind of curious about the video shoot this afternoon. I'm pretty active in video myself so was intrigued by the earlier tweet.
Chattanooga Blogging on Feb. 27, 2009
It's interesting the video kids (and yes they are kids) who shot Chattanooga State's forum haven't released it to the public. A call to the Chat State office of media director was not returned. Is this another plot by Mr. Littlfield to discourage dissent and withhold information from the public? I am outraged by Littlefield's constant use of the media to leverage his name. Does he have a Napolean complex or what?!