As I mentioned in this post, it is good when MSM reporters are able to respond via a public forum to questions about their reporting. Likewise, it is good when a reporter is able to use a blog to report stories that their employer does not. Such has been the case with some reporters at the Washington Times. They were able to use their own blogs to respond to allegations and even report stories that the newspaper did not cover. (Because maybe the story was about something happening outside the doors of the Washington Times.)

Well no more. Washington Times editor-in-chief Wesley Pruden has issued this memo to newspaper staff. Now if they want to blog, run a website, post on message boards or use any other “message distribution system”, they’ve got to get approval from senior editors.

Liberal blog mediabistro: FishBowlDC points out some instances where Washington Times reporters have used their blogs in the past to address matters, that can no longer be discussed under the new policy.

Now if a Washington Times reporter see a bunch of protesters when they leave work for the day, they can’t mention it. And in the past The Washington Times has conveniently left such a matter unreported themselves.

Be it a Liberal or Conservative MSM outfit, it seems they all fear their reporters speaking for themselves.

These kinds of blanket pre-approval memos might be starting in the MSM, but in time how many businesses will put tighter controls on their employees? Notice the Washington Times memo basically states that staff members must get approval for any “posting service or message distribution system”. So even if they report on politics and use a message board about dog shows on a regular basis, they are supposed to get permission given the wording of the memo. This puts a virtual electronic lock on their reporters. Even e-mail is a “message distribution system”. I’m sure given the right circumstance, this memo could be used against a reporter that sends an e-mail to their own mother that might be critical of the newspaper. It’s starting with them, but where will it end?

It’s important that everyone speak out against this, because if you don’t it might be coming your way one day too.

How ironic that the organizations that claim to fight for “freedom of speech” are the ones that bridle the speech of their own employees.