We wondered when the Louisville news media would begin to write about Gov. Matt Bevins refusal to answer their emails and phone calls. By April, we began noticing how increasingly Courier-Journal articles were saying his office had not returned calls not even to issue a refusal to comment. A local website tweeted its tally of how many times Bevins office ignored its requests. But no story.
CJ contributing columnist Al Cross raised the issue in an April 14 column, but his piece that appeared first on the Kentucky Press Associations website, and and then in LEO and elsewhere, explained why Bevin wasnt commenting. Cross wrote: Amanda Stamper said social media allow the governors office to take our messages directly to the audiences we are trying to talk to, being able to break our own news, being able to control the message without having to go through the different filters that the media puts on things.
By the time The CJ got around to printing a story May 24 about the gubernatorial cold shoulder, Bevin was already on attack. He had posted a video that purported to tell The Truth Behind Governor Bevins Media Policy. He said the states largest newspapers dont actually seem to care about Kentucky, and there is nothing more transparent than live video, me talking straight to you.
As transparent as bullshit.
Actually, it is a brilliant strategy for controlling his message. But, ultimately, it will further divide the state, as you can see from reactions to the video, pulled from the governors official Facebook page.
Thank you, OBevin!
LOVE
I did not know they were owned by out-of-state business. They report stupid stuff all the time that is not even a little bit newsworthy. Thank you for what you do in your communications. Carrie Cottew
You are wonderful in how you present yourself and share information about the state. You make me extremely proud to be a lifelong Kentuckian. Lisa A. Gipson-Potter
No longer Independent, registered Republican today, Gov. Bevin. You are doing a great job. Clair Stines
My mouth may have just touched the ground. I love how you are so open and honest and are not afraid to state your truth! Love this video! Leslie Hatfield
This state hasnt had a real leader in so long that they dont recognize when they now actually have it! Thank you Gov. Bevin! Robin Slone Shoebrooks
I like what youre pitching. Just keep it coming, and always keep the people up front. It will show in the long run and the history books. And P.S., stay like you have been, a professional! God bless. Mike Thompson
I think that you are doing a Great Job! and this video is right on! I like the videos that you post, I prefer them over the fake news out there, keep up the good work!!! Michael R. Maxwell
Kick a**, take names later. Mike C. Vicke
HATE
The people working at the CJ and H-L, including the editorial boards, are Kentuckians and care deeply about our state. The only reason Bevin said any of this is because he doesnt like media that holds him accountable for his actions. Dont be fooled folks. He can tell you what you want to hear all day long, but it doesnt make it true. Marcie Crim
Then why you gotta block citizens on Twitter? Are you not capable of being transparent? Jeremy Greenwell
Remember Bevin trying to set up Democrats? He made a video, went to the wrong building and pretended they werent working. Mack Brown
Why dont you just answer the questions directly and people will stop asking them? Seems more simple than creating your own vlog or whatever this is. Lauren Wheeler
Here is the thing a free press is the integrity of democracy. If we only hear from you, governor, what makes us different than a monarchy, or some other non-American government? Stephanie Maynard
I would encourage the governor to reject propaganda and engage the free press. Be bold governor. Its the American way. Its what Kentuckians do. Shannon Ragland
Many Kentuckians do not have computers or interest in the internet. By ducking the real media, you do a disservice to many citizens. What are you so afraid of? Liz Waters
This article appears in May 31, 2017.