Council media team 'bias'
Date published: 01 March 2010
Councillor Alan McCarthy
The controversial Rochdale Borough Council media team stands accused of political bias following inappropriate use of quotes from Lib Dem councillors up for election in press releases issued by the Council Media Team, not once, but twice in little over a week.
Media protocol is that Township Chairs should be contacted regarding any potential press releases that affect their areas, and in two cases Chairman of Heywood Township, Labour Councillor Alan McCarthy, was oblivious until he read press releases quoting Lib Dem ward councillors.
His complaint to the Council following the first instance brought an apology from the Executive Leadership Team member responsible for the Media Team, Pam Smith, along with a promise that a new media protocol has been drafted at the request of the party leaders. It is understood the protocol is to be shared with opposition leaders, township chairs and all other elected members for discussion and agreement.
However, when the apology was followed by a second instance, Cllr McCarthy took the matter to the Council Chief Executive, Roger Ellis.
Cllr McCarthy said: "This matter is now in the hands of the Chief Executive for expedient and appropriate action.
"Once can be construed as a mistake, twice in little over a week just confirms political bias by the Council Media Unit."
Backing Cllr McCarthy, Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: "I fully support Cllr McCarthy's view."
Despite hundreds of other council workers facing redundancy under the 'efficiency review' the Media Team, called by critics the 'propaganda team', which costs tax payers around £2Million, including over £600,000 in salaries, remains 19 strong.
www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/37519/bbc-radio-focuses-on-council-cuts
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