As we've been reporting these last few weeks, Drew Edmondson is quite popular with Oklahoma's major newspapers and televison media. So popular in fact, there's been scarce mention of the alleged abuses in his office as detailed by a very credible whistle blower who formerly worked for him. Our further investigation into the "poultrygate" scandal - and the mainstream media's shocking disregard to uncover the truth - has revealed that Edmondson is also popular with small town media as well. Larry R. Wade, publisher of the Elk City News, generously donated $2,500 to the attorney general's '06 re-election effort. As we've stated before, Mr. Wade - as do other members of the press - have every right to participate in our democracy through their financial contributions. But as providers of news to the people, they have a unique obligation to be viewed as impartial and balanced. Newspaper publishers and television executives contributing to any elected official's political campaigns, certainly raises all kinds of legitimate ethical questions. One would believe that Mr. Wade, who has a journalism degree from OU and has been a former President of the Oklahoma Press Association and Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation would understand our concerns. OKPNS will continue to investigate.

Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Poultry Lawsuit, Press Bias

Posted at 3/16/2007 08:14:00 AM