UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION! In an effort to contain a media firestorm that’s not running red hot in Indiana but nationwide, Gov. Mike Pence Tuesday afternoon tried to “clarify” the creation of a website and web portal “Just IN” that would provide Indiana residents and the news media with information about the operations of Indiana State Government agencies. The Governor’s office says the website and portal would only distribute “news releases”, not write “news stories”. But also Tuesday afternoon, the Indianapolis Star, which broke the story Monday night that’s been gone red hot on social media, that documents that the Pence Administration’s efforts seems much more insidious and closer to a state-run media service than they want us to believe. The original Indianapolis Star exclusive story, reported that Gov. Mike Pence and his communications staff hired a former Star reporter to create a website and create and write news stories and releases that will offer news media in Indiana and beyond stories about the doings of the Governor and Indiana State Government Agencies. The site called “Just IN” will also write and produce “exclusive” stories to be initially denied other media. The Star story, written by political reporter Tom LoBianco instantly ignited a firestorm of anger and consternation, not just among media professionals in Indiana, but national reaction on CNN, Accuracy in Media, Huffington Post, MSNBC, Politico, The Atlantic Monthly and many other national media outlets. Journalism watchdogs like media critic Jim Romenesko blasted Gov. Pence’s plan. In a Tweet the Governor tried to defend the idea saying “Just IN” would disseminate information about state government similar to how the state posts press releases on the state’s main website. Here’s how Governor Pence tried to explain on Twitter
Other reactions weren’t as charitable: From 2012 Democratic Governor candidate John Gregg:
Indiana Democratic Party Chair John Zody:
Republican Strategist Christine Matthews;
https://twitter.com/cmatthewspolls/status/559883129792786432
The controversy even spawned a “parody” Twitter Account
Click the Link To Read the Indianapolis Star article that Broke this Story Wide Open, Including Documents Outlining the State’s News Service Plan: INDY STAR STORY ON STATE RUN NEWS SERVICE
