The Nov. 4 “Newsmakers Q&A” feature on Drewry Fennell, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware brought charges the Dover Post was espousing, in the words of one emailer, “a one-sided viewpoint, and a very far left, minority viewpoint at that.”
We were somewhat surprised at that writer’s conclusion, since the idea behind the “Newsmakers” feature is to interview a prominent person with an eye toward finding out more about their work and more about them on a personal level. This writer, as well as two others who emailed, felt the article presented a favorable view of the ACLU, an organization they feel is counter to much of what American society stands for.
Granted, three people expressing their displeasure about a person interviewed in a question and answer format seems like the proverbial tempest in a teapot, but it is a matter I feel should be addressed.
The writers all suggested we produce a companion piece espousing a particular statewide family policy organization, an article they felt would balance the “Newsmakers” article. One writer stated Dover “has a strong presence of conservative Christian values and we would like to see that represented in light of the ACLU piece by doing a positive piece” on that statewide organization.
First off, our reporters are not instructed to create “positive” articles when writing about individuals, organizations or events; they also are not told to create “negative” articles. Each article stands on its own merits.
Secondly, if someone or even a bunch of someones does not agree with an article, that does not obligate the Post to immediately publish something that coincides with their views. This paper does not engage in reciprocative reporting.
All of the writers suggested we conduct, in the very near future, an interview with the executive director of the family policy organization that represents their views. That is a distinct possibility and one I told them we would consider.
To provide an immediate outlet for their concerns, however, I offered space on our editorial page for a Letter to the Editor.
As always has been our policy, we will consider for publication a letter either from the executive director, from one of the persons who contacted us about the article, or from anyone else who wishes to express an opinion on this or any other article presented in the Post. Our only stipulation would be our standard one that it be no longer than 500 words.
That offer still stands.
