By Angie Herrington
Staff Writer
Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield today banned a Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter from talking to city officials and employees.
Investigative reporter Michael A. Weber no longer is allowed to call, gather information or get quotes from city personnel, Mr. Littlefield said in a news release.
Mr. Weber has approached key staff in an abrasive and accusatory manner, the mayor said in the release. This is annoying, distracting, and counter to our efforts to deal honestly and openly with all media.
Tom Griscom, publisher and executive editor of the Times Free Press, said the paper expects its employees to act in a professional manner at all times.
When requesting information, conducting an interview and writing a story, our reporters know the standards and practices of the Times Free Press, he said.
Mr. Littlefield said he and his administration in the past have been considerate of the medias requests and will continue to do so.
The release said Mr. Littlefield welcomes open dialogue about city matters and believes that transparency in government is one of the things that helps make our country strong.
E-mail Angie Herrington at aherrington@timesfreepress.com
See tomorrows Chattanooga Times Free Press for full coverage.
