Utah Mayor Mike Winder and the Dangers of 'Citizen Journalism'

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my gosh! Who cares! It doesn't make him a bad person! There is more important issues to discuss than this!

sarah of UT 5:33PM June 22, 2012

Well it's not like any well paid professional journalist would ever engage in any chicanery....cough...Dan....cough, cough...Rather..., Reading the MSM for free on the internet seems a might overpriced to me.

Howard B of MO 1:38PM November 16, 2011

You can't increase a city's reputation by immoral methods. He reinforced the city's low rep by "stooping to conquer." What a cheap ticket. Get him out of office, NOW.

Atticus of UT 1:55AM November 16, 2011

Is he a member of PRSA? If not, then he's not bound by your code of ethics.
Communications tools are available to all, and are used for ends that may be beneficient or nefarious.

Rich of CO 9:08PM November 15, 2011

While it may be worth debating what this incident says about the state of journalism in America, the fact that Mr. Winder used his power in office to deceive both his constituents and the media through deceptive communications practices is wholly unethical from a communications standpoint. Period.
In a statement issued today (http://bit.ly/vp3c3z) by the Public Relations Society of America regarding this incident, we noted the following:
The basic tenets of ethical communications practices, as addressed in the PRSA Code of Ethics, require that those representing organizations or governments serve the public interest by advancing the free flow of accurate and truthful information. Open and honest communication is essential to contributing to informed decision making in a democratic society.
The PRSA Code of Ethics clearly states that it is unethical to engage in deceptive online practices or misrepresent one’s identity or professional affiliation, both of which Mr. Winder has admitted to doing.
Furthermore, the Society’s Code of Ethics calls for communicators to be “honest and accurate in all communications.” Clearly, Mr. Winder’s actions failed in that regard, which is a disservice to both the public he serves and the media he tried to influence.
At a time of severely low public trust in government, it is imperative that politicians and public relations professionals represent themselves and those they serve in an ethical and transparent manner.
Keith Trivitt
Associate Director
Public Relations Society of America
http://www.prsa.org/

Keith Trivitt of NY 5:37PM November 15, 2011

I have known Mike Winder and his family ever since he was 12 years old. Mike is a young man of great moral integrity and intelligence. I predict he will someday become either the governor,a senator, or a congressman from our state. He's written several books about our states history and he is also a successful businessman. When Mike speaks, people listen. I know that I do.

Hank Rockwell Jr of UT 12:38PM November 15, 2011

The media focus on stories that no one wants to hear. Crime being one of their favorites. Mr. Winder had to go around the typical media because they don't do a good job, rarely report the whole story and manipulate citizen perceptions.
News outlets are loosing readers/viewers because they put out a bad Biased product.

Jeff of UT 12:11PM November 15, 2011

You forgot that "citizen journalists" tend to report on events of which they are a part, or have a particular interest in. There goes any "objectivity".
"iReports" and such are a joke when used in place of NEWS, as CNN does. Their value should be limited to a bit of flavoring, rather than being the whole meal.

Rich of CO 9:15AM November 15, 2011

I'm all for it , citizen journalism , as long as it keeps exposing the progessive liberals for who they really are . It's up to us to decide ( those of us that got past the public education system ) .
Keep it up Bannon , Milligan , Fenn and bow tie .

Hunter of WI 10:40PM November 14, 2011

COMMENTER TO "JOURNALIST"....
This "citizen journalist, "...was armingly unapologetic about his deception and ethical breach."
Really?
Hmmm... was that sort of what you did in your whitewash - I mean scholarly bio - of Ted Kennedy?
Ricochets can be a real pain in the butt.

R.L. Schaefer of CA 1:02PM November 14, 2011