Title
Revised Media Response Policy C-AD08
Proposed Motion(s)
That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to Council that they approve revised Media Response Policy C-AD08 (previously Policy AD 008).
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration believes the proposed revisions to the Media Relations Policy will help ensure consistency in dealing with the media, particularly on important or contentious issues, therefore administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
The proposed revised Media Response Policy C-AD08 is being brought forward to Governance and Priorities Committee to discuss the proposed changes from the previous Media Response Policy AD 008.
Summary
On January 23, 2007, by resolution number 71-07, Council approved Media Response Policy AD 008, as a means to establish the protocols for Parkland County when responding to inquiries from the media.
In order to fulfill Council's Strategic Plan direction to post all Council policies online, Administration initiated a mandatory review of all policies to ensure they were current and accurate and to put them in proper format. As part of the review, the Manager, Communications & Strategic Planning, noted opportunities to improve on the existing policy and provide further clarification and direction, particularly when dealing with contentious or important issues facing the County. The proposed changes are included in the attached Media Response Policy C-AD08.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Review and updates of existing policies helps fulfill Council's Strategic Plan Governance Goal #1, Strategy #1, Action 1.1.3: Have all Council policies posted online by 2013.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A
Other
The proposed Media Response Policy C-AD08 outlines the standards for Council and Administration when dealing with media inquiries. These standards are further described for Administration below management level in the County's Corporate Communications Guidelines.