Spring Break
We are not corporate media
Sean Reed
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Opinion
After the fallout from the Long Bill, Penley sent an e-mail to all students apologizing and pledging "more open and direct communication in the future."
From the manner in which Penley and his staff behaved today, it is clear these were hollow words.
When asked the nature of the discussion, Brad Bohlander, the president's spokesman, had only scattered information to give us and referred to the meeting as an informal discussion solicited by Gannett and assured the gathered Collegian staff that, at the moment, the university was not yet given any thought to changing the structure of it's relationship with the Collegian.
Later, however, an e-mail statement by Penley to the student body contradicted these statements. Penley openly admitted that Gannett contacted him late last semester and they had discussed setting up a meeting to consider "possible collaboration," between the university and the Coloradoan.
I may be reading into this too much, but the fact that Penley scheduled a meeting to discuss a partnership between the university and a publishing company in regard to the operations of the student paper sounds like he is considering changes.
Of course, there is evidence suggesting Penley is planning an even more drastic overhaul.
In an e-mail to the Collegian, Greg Luft, chair of the journalism department, said this was more than just an informal meeting.
He corroborated Penley's statement that Gannett had reached out to the university, but went further to say that Moore had told him they were interested in "taking over management of the Collegian as a private, for-profit entity."
Penley is attempting to sell a part of our university's history and lied to the students of CSU about it.
He would do well to remember that his job is to support the students of CSU, not sell them out.
The Collegian staffers are students, too, Larry. Don't sell us to corporate media.
Editorials Editor Sean Reed is a senior political science major. His column usually appears Mondays in the Collegian. Letters and feedback can be sent to letters@collegian.com.
From the manner in which Penley and his staff behaved today, it is clear these were hollow words.
When asked the nature of the discussion, Brad Bohlander, the president's spokesman, had only scattered information to give us and referred to the meeting as an informal discussion solicited by Gannett and assured the gathered Collegian staff that, at the moment, the university was not yet given any thought to changing the structure of it's relationship with the Collegian.
Later, however, an e-mail statement by Penley to the student body contradicted these statements. Penley openly admitted that Gannett contacted him late last semester and they had discussed setting up a meeting to consider "possible collaboration," between the university and the Coloradoan.
I may be reading into this too much, but the fact that Penley scheduled a meeting to discuss a partnership between the university and a publishing company in regard to the operations of the student paper sounds like he is considering changes.
Of course, there is evidence suggesting Penley is planning an even more drastic overhaul.
In an e-mail to the Collegian, Greg Luft, chair of the journalism department, said this was more than just an informal meeting.
He corroborated Penley's statement that Gannett had reached out to the university, but went further to say that Moore had told him they were interested in "taking over management of the Collegian as a private, for-profit entity."
Penley is attempting to sell a part of our university's history and lied to the students of CSU about it.
He would do well to remember that his job is to support the students of CSU, not sell them out.
The Collegian staffers are students, too, Larry. Don't sell us to corporate media.
Editorials Editor Sean Reed is a senior political science major. His column usually appears Mondays in the Collegian. Letters and feedback can be sent to letters@collegian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Bdygard
Craig Hawley
posted 1/23/08 @ 6:22 AM MST
Did the Collegian announce it's F Bush headline before it caused all this. No it met in secret if at all , and just dropped the F Bomb on every student there without asking , or considering their subscribers rights to not be made a part of their rule breaking stupidity. (Continued…)
Arvensis
posted 1/23/08 @ 2:08 PM MST
"secret meeting" What a priceless description. I suppose that President Penley should make a public announcement every time he schedules a meeting? Maybe he should also ask the entire student body, faculty, and staff if they are in support of the meeting. (Continued…)
Joe Schmitz
posted 1/23/08 @ 5:13 PM MST
I cannot believe what I just read (BdyGard and arvensis). Deciding whether or not to privatise an institution that has been running for over 100 years is not an average meeting and yes he damn well should include the the entire CSU community when thinking of making a decision of such magnitude. (Continued…)
Bdygard
Craig Hawley
posted 1/24/08 @ 12:51 AM MST
First of all Joe Schmitz much respect for using your name.
Here is the problem. You the students are a major part of the school paper but you are not the ultimate part. (Continued…)
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