2.04.150 News media policy.
(1) Purpose. Oregon Public Meetings Law provides that representatives of the news media shall be allowed to attend certain executive sessions of public bodies, but there is no statutory definition of “news media.” Because there is no statutory definition of “news media” it is necessary for the city council to adopt a policy that implements the intent of the Oregon Public Meetings Law so that it may objectively and properly determine eligibility for news media to attend executive sessions.
(2) Currently Recognized News Media Organizations. The following entities are recognized as news media organizations eligible to attend executive sessions because they have an established history of meeting requirements of this policy:
(a) The World newspaper.
(b) Koos News.
(c) The Oregonian of Portland newspaper.
(d) The Register-Guard of Eugene newspaper.
(e) KCBY television.
(f) KVAL television.
(g) KMTR television.
(h) KEZI television.
(i) KOBI television.
(j) K-Dock 92.9 FM radio.
(k) 105.9 The Legend radio.
(l) Bicoastal Media radio.
(m) KHMS radio.
(n) KOOS FM radio.
No other entity shall be permitted to attend an executive session unless it is recognized through the process described in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) Recognition of Other News Media Organizations. Other entities are eligible for recognition as news media if they meet the terms of this section.
(a) The following entities are recognized as news media organizations eligible to attend executive sessions:
(i) A general or associate member newspaper of the Oregon Publishers Association, a broadcast member of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters or a member of the Associated Press; or
(ii) A newspaper that the city uses for publication of public notices and that meets the requirements of ORS 193.020; or
(iii) An entity recognized by the city as being a news source that:
(A) Is organized and operated to regularly and continuously publish, broadcast, transmit via the Internet or otherwise disseminate news to the public, and that regularly reports on activities of the city council or matters of the nature under consideration by the city council; and
(B) Is a well-established entity that is committed to complying with the requirement that confidential executive session information be undisclosed. In making this determination, the city may consider and weigh any factors that it deems to be relevant, including whether the entity has an available process for correcting errors, including violations of executive sessions statutes, by a person with authority to take corrective measures.
(b) The entity seeking recognition as a news media organization has the burden of proof to establish that it meets the standards of this section. A determination that the entity is not recognized shall be based upon written findings addressing the criteria in this section.
(4) Attendance at Executive Sessions. Representatives of recognized news media organizations may attend executive sessions if state law requires the city to allow their attendance.
(a) In deciding whether to recognize the person as a representative of the news media organization, the city may require:
(i) A press badge or identification issued by the recognized news media organization, plus proof of identity (such as a driver’s license); or
(ii) A recently published news article in the recognized news media organization publication or broadcast, with the person’s byline, or a masthead showing the person’s name as a member of the news gathering staff of the news media organization, plus proof of identify; or
(iii) A letter on letterhead from an editor of the recognized news media organization in which the editor states that the reporter is covering the meeting for the news media organization, plus proof of identity.
(b) Cameras, tape recorders and other recording devices shall not be used in executive sessions, except for the official executive session recording made by city staff. (Ord. 2052 § 1, 2021)