For the Portland Press Herald to have participated in, and even abetted, Gov. LePage’s blatant Election Day attempt at voter suppression is an aberration of journalistic integrity of astounding proportions.
At 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, hours before the polls closed, in a midterm election in which voter turnout historically lags, the Press Herald saw fit to publish LePage’s threat to Maine voters and American democracy that he probably would refuse to certify the results of the statewide election.
Yes, this was news, but it would be news the next day, as well. There are valid reasons to delay coverage or announcements. It’s done every day. The interests of a fair, unbiased election, free from potentially treasonous threats by an elected official, are surely reason enough.
This newspaper gave Mainers one more reason not to vote. The damage is done.
As we continue in an increasingly rancorous election cycle in which American voting has already been compromised, I would ask this paper’s news staff to search for their journalistic conscience. This recent breach indicates they will be sorely challenged to find it.
Perhaps the Radio Television Digital News Association, which maintains a code of ethics centering on public trust, truthfulness, fairness, integrity, independence and accountability, can offer some assistance. I wish them success. Maine, as well as our nation, needs ethical journalism, now more than ever.
Lew Alessio
Greene
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