The Conversation: Press Hassled on Gulf Coast

[The Straight Story]

The Conversation: Press Hassled on Gulf Coast

Reporting is often about access, but journalists along the Gulf Coast covering the BP oil spill have had some trouble getting it.
ABC reporter Matt Gutman questioned during video chat on Alabama beach.

As BP faces more pressure from the government and from its own shareholders unhappy with the company's falling stock price, it seems to be clamping down on who can talk to reporters.

Despite company statements that anyone on cleanup crews can share their views, ABC's Matt Gutman reports that's not necessarily the case. Today during a "World News" Conversation, he saw firsthand how a BP manager took pains to keep workers away from the press.

While preparing for a video chat on his laptop from a public beach in Alabama, Gutman was hassled by the manager of a nearby crew, asking Gutman why he was on the beach.

"You mind if I ask why you've set up a camera right here while my guys are working?" the man asked. After Gutman explained that he was a reporter for ABC News, the manager responded, "I find it interesting."

For Gutman and other journalists along the Gulf, it's tough to report when so many are barred from talking.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Media/conversation-press-hassled-gulf-coast/story?id=10877263

[Catherina]

1. Is there any reason our government is tolerating this? n/t

[The Straight Story]

2. There should be press there 24x7 and webcams IMHO (nt)

[chill_wind]

3. We've had people right here at DU

absurdly defending it.

[FiveGoodMen]

4. Yes: Our government is not at the top of the power structure.

The US has been privatized.

[Berry Cool]

5. Our government is actually HELPING BP keep journalists away.

Our Obama-led government.

It's breaking my heart.