Commentary
At Tuesday night's city commission meeting, Fernandina Beach Mayor Bradley Bean's unvarnished criticism of local media outlets as "fake news" brings to the forefront a debate about the state of journalism and its role in our community.
Here's what Bean said during his staunch support of raising his and other commissioners salaries by 50 percent. Bean spoke about the hurdles facing future potential city commission candidates.
"There's another hurdle, there's all this fake news now. There's fake news out there, in our community, it's here too." Bean said. "There's people who are watching this meeting right now. People who are thinking about running (for office) in the future are seeing they would have to deal with this, what they try to do is constantly, being attempted to be side swiped by different fake news outlets."
Bean's tirade was not only grammatically incorrect, but resulted in something far worse. By spewing unsupported insults at the Fernandina Observer, Fernandina News-Leader and The Citizens-Journal, Bean eroded the dignity of the office of mayor.
Later Bean doubled down on his claims with "I wish the fake news would stop fake newsing."
Made from a position of assumed authority, Mayor Bean's remarks are not only misguided but also are a significant attack to the fundamental principles of a free and independent press that our city democracy relies on.
At the heart of Mayor Bean's attacks are his frustration with the way his actions and decisions are reported in the media. Bean's use of the label "fake news" has become a catch-all phrase, used by politicians to dismiss any news story that doesn’t align with their positions on issues. The underlying claim in the "fake news" charge is that journalists are untruthful and dishonest.
Yet Bean failed to provide any examples of “fake news” by local media. Perhaps that’s because local reporters – and I know them all -- are committed to journalistic integrity and strive to present the facts accurately.
Bean’s voting to raise his salary on the commission by 50 percent is fact. Reporting that he voted for the raise is not fake news, it remains fact.
Local journalists act as watchdogs, questioning decisions, investigating matters of public interest and ensuring that Fernandina Beach citizens are well-informed to make educated decisions. When Mayor Bean attacks the media as a whole, he undermines this important function and erodes public trust in credible journalism. Perhaps that is Bean's intention.
When was the last time a Fernandina Beach mayor bellowed unsubstantiated insults from the center seat? And, should the mayor - a figurehead of goodwill for the city - engage in that type of smear campaign?
Mayor Bean's attack of the news media as "fake news" should serve as a wake-up call for our entire community. Only through a collective commitment to the principles of accountability, accuracy and transparency will Fernandina Beach remain a place where open discourse and informed citizenry prevail.
Editor's note: Mayor Bean's assertions came during national newspaper week. Celebrating its 83rd year, newsprint and digital outlets are being honored for their coverage of city and county governments, school boards, local athletic events, various organization awards, county fairs/special events, fundraising and the every day and special occurrences of a community’s life
Bad ju ju. Bean sprout's lack of knowledge leads directly to this. Wonder where he gets his advice.
building the dune walkway serves no purpose for the city and citizens.
The mayor’s behavior and rants in meetings gets worse and worse. The facts are the facts.
I don't understand how he can rant about local fake news when anyone can watch the entire meeting on video and see/hear exactly what transpired. That ain't fake, folks!
I love our News Leader and our Observer. Maybe the truth is not to your liking but it is difficult to face reality. "Fake" News mantra is ranted throughout this country however I feel our outlets are honest and on point.