Denial of Rights by State Capitol Police, and Capitol Correspondents Association- Madison Wisconsin

[Omaha Steve]

> To PEIS Board of Directors
> Diversified Media Enterprises Board of Directors
> Issue: Denial of Rights by State Capitol Police, and Capitol Correspondents Association- Madison Wisconsin
> Date Tuesday March 8th
>
> Denial of Press Passes, Access and Electricity.
>
> Last week, while working with WIN, Mark Roughen and his team were denied press passes by the Capitol Correspondents Association. After some intense discussion an agreement was reached to provide daily press passes to Mark and his crew along with WIN staff correspondents and producers Doug Cunningham. We were assured that this was the procedure that all press were being asked to follow last week.
> While we accepted this as a temporary solution, we did ask for permanent press passes for our staff.
> On Friday Doug reported that the agreement was being honored, although he reported delay and difficulty.
>
> TODAY- it became clear that the agreement was no longer being honored in any meaningful way as far as Mark Roughen and his TV crew are concerned. Since Mark does TV he needs an electrical outlet. Five days ago he requested the electrical feed using the proper forms. He received no answer until today, when the request was denied. Literally at almost the same moment Fox news was given electrical access.
>
> As you recall WIN staff and the journalists working with us were denied press passes because “union leaders on are our board”.
>
> As of now we are in discussion with legal counsel initially retained by IBEW Local 159- Mark’s local. They are preparing a restraining order, basically prohibiting the state from denying electricity to Mark. Our letter certifying that Mark was working with DME (WIN) is still valid as far as we are concerned. There is no allegation whatsoever that Mark in any way violated journalistic protocols.
>
> What we have done.
>
> I asked Doug to write to the Capitol Correspondents Association to demand immediate action on the permanent press passes for DME full-time staff. We have asked for an answer by Monday.
>
> What I propose:
>
> · DME should become one of the organizations seeking the Temporary Restraining order. I have asked for copies of the proposed legal filings and expect to see them tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. I would like to be able to sign them on behalf of DME- assuming that local 159 will continue to use its legal staff in this matter.
>
> · We should publish this issue as a news story. It is not only an insult to WIN and our professionalism, but an attack on labor and progressive media.
>
> · Our Boards of Directors and the individuals on the boards should contact individuals, unions and organizations dedicated to free and honest news coverage and solicit support.
>
> I have asked Ellen La Luzerne, on behalf of DME and Howard on behalf of PEIS to follow-up with discussions with each of you. If desirable I suggest that they convene the appropriate board meetings to get formal approval of a course of action, and discuss the acquisition of resources needed to follow-through.
>
> Frank Emspak
> Executive Producer
> WIN
>
> PS: I am sending this note out to other individuals and organizations that comprise our main base of supporters.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Another aspect of Walker's new wave of repression.

This, rules forbidding signs & cheering in the Capitol, etc.

Digging himself deeper every day while trying to build his cred with the rabid wingnut crowd..