A colleague sent me this 2020 email from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. I could teach a journalism class about it.
Don’t be afraid to anger officials because they’ll cut your access somehow. There are thousands of sources and ideas in a bureaucracy, few good ones come from access. Just because the boss is mad doesn’t mean you can’t do your job. Institutions aren’t monolithic.
Don’t take things personal when they’re good or when they’re bad. Reporting relationships have ups and downs. This was in a period where Mayor Lightfoot was upset with Tribune stories. It happens.
For government and public affairs people: Trying to cut off a reporter is generally unproductive. Trying to restrict the information that goes to the biggest newspaper in your area is self sabotage.
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