The topic of yesterday’s Y’s Men panel, before a packed Westport Library crowd, was “how the media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.”
But panelists roamed freely, with most talking more generally about the role of the media in today’s polarized world.
Congressman Jim Himes noted that the founding fathers believed the press must be independent of the president. However, he said, “I don’t think any media outlet can or should be impartial. It’s up to as news consumers to learn and understand bias. If we can’t do that, then democracy is in danger.” He said he was “harsher on citizenry than the media.”
Former Fox News and CNN journalist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota said, “We’re taught in journalism school to be conscious of our biases, and to check them at the door.”
She added, “It’s hard and perilous to be a journalist right now. We’re in the middle of an earthquake. Institutions are shaking and collapsing around us. We’re in the middle of the 1st Amendment doorway. When the shaking stops, will still have ’60 Minutes’ or CNN?”
The good news, she said, is that as journalists “scatter” from traditional media outlets, they wind up at “thousands” of places like Substack and podcasts. There, there are “no overlords.”
Veteran News12 anchor Rebecca Surran discussed the difficulty of maintaining “down-the-middle” coverage, particularly as economic woes hit outlets like hers, and news sources like the AP are banned from the White House.
She warned that although there are “thousands of ways to get news today, don’t stay in an echo chamber. Consume news you don’t feel comfortable with, too.”
Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe noted that despite the demise of papers like the Westport News and Minuteman, Westport is not a “news desert” like many locations. He cited coverage by “06880,” and reporting by Westport Journal.
Fairfield University assistant professor of politics Aaron Weinstein called the ability to undersand a poll “one of the most imporant skills” a citizen can have.
From left: Aaron Weinstein, Jim Marpe, Rebecca Surran, Alisyn Camerota, Jim Himes, John Brandt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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HB 5002 — the omnibus housing bill that could bring big changes to municipalities across the state — has been passed by the Connecticut House of Representatives and Senate. It now awaits Governor Lamont’s signature.
This morning, Westport 1st Selectman — in her capacity as a gubernatorial candidate – said:
“If signed into law by Governor Lamont, House Bill 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons, will be the biggest assault on local zoning control in Connecticut in over 30 years.
“Framed as a measure to help our homeless population, instead it represents a fundamental change in how communities make decisions, plan for the future, and serve the needs of all residents.
“The negative consequences will be felt for decades to come as it undermines local town operational management and zoning, and the voices of residents in decision-making.
“A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. HB 5002 will fundamentally transform local zoning across our beautiful state, radically changing the face of our unique towns and cities without any planning, infrastructure investment or regard for our natural resources. It’s time for housing policy that respects our residents and business owners, our environment, and the autonomy of our municipalities.
“Advancing affordable housing and ending homelessness are goals that I not only believe in, but have taken action on. As Westport’s 1st Selectwoman, I have helped champion a common-sense, collaborative approach to create diverse housing. This includes pursuing text amendments to convert Town-owned buildings to affordable housing, and deed-restricting Town-owned property to serve as congregate housing (the first in the State to do so).
“Westport received the Community Champion Award by the CT Coalition to End Homelessness as a result of our innovative efforts. This is the work towns can do with community support, local decision-making and visionary leadership. HB 5002 strips planning and zoning control from our towns and gives it to the state and to developers. That’s wrong for Connecticut. That’s wrong for our residents and our business owners. We can do better.”
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Run into summer with Westport PAL.
The kids-first nonprofit is running 2 grade-level track and fitness clinics, from June 23 through July 17, at the Staples High School track.
They combine athletic training with specialized event instruction.
The session for grades 3-7 (9 to 10:30 a.m.) focus on specific events. The one for grades 7-8 (10:30 to noon) includes strength, movement and flexibility. More details and registration is available here.
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To honor Pride Month, Temple Israel invites the entire LGBTQ+ communities — and allies — to a “joyful and inclusive Pride Shabbat.”
The June 13 (6:30 p.m.) service includes music from the temple’s artist in residence, Elana Arian. It will be followed by a festive oneg (social gathering), and more music by Arian, with Cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann.
Information on all of Temple Israel’s Pride events is available here.
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A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last week — is set for 4 p.m. on June 29. The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
Carol Randel
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Humans prefer to fish alone.
These guys — not so much.
Mark Laclair spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Harbor Road.
(Photo/Mark Laclair)
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And finally … on this date in 1608 the colony of Virginia received a charter, extending its borders from “sea to sea.”
(A gentle reminder, as we start another week — and month — of daily Roundups: “06880” is supported by readers like you. Please click here to donate to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Having moderated this weekend’s media panel discussion at the Westport Library (story above), and hearing about the lack of local news coverage as being a growing problem, I would be remiss in not calling out this blog as an oasis in the news desert. It keeps us informed and makes us aware of issues that impact our quality of life and that of our fellow constituents. And it reaches far beyond the borders of Fairfield County, being read by ex-Westporters all over the world. Well done, Dan. Keep playing the music. We’re all listening.
HB 5002 is a horrible bill that poses as a well intentioned bill with a devastating impact to all municipalities. No one in Hartford collectively knows what’s best for local communities. When the public is not allowed a seat at the table allowing for a sensible balance of shared input, disastrous outcomes happen. No one debates the need for affordable housing….how it is implemented is what’s at stake here.
That Lamont will sign this heinous HB5002 into law is ALMOST reason enough to vote for a Republican governor…ALMOST; but it is surely the kind of bill, once widely broadcast, that will assure a Republican congress in ’26 and President in ’28…Democrats are so bad at reading the room, that WE are destroying America.
I’m an independent but the “ALMOST” comment here is why CT will continue to be one of the highest cost of living states in the US, and why its more affluent population steadily moves away leaving fewer taxpayers to fund an increasing level of govt programs.
Re Y’s Men Media Panel. Thank you all for your interesting and informed perspective. For future panels, I would suggest that maybe you include some alternate perspectives. We all live in our own bubble and I wonder if it might be helpful to understand all sides of each issue. Here’s an example of what I mean. Listen to this incredibly eye opening monologue from Mark Halperin on the media in current day. Link here:
https://youtu.be/f-OoCUqDhOY
btw – for those curious and independent minded, Mark Halperin runs a number of other independent, informative podcasts including 2Way (on Youtube or Zoom) where the community gets to participate (2 x each day).
Thanks for listening.
Does Governor Lamont have to sign this bill ? Or can he choose not to ?
I presume Ceci Maher and Julie Kushner are now unelectable in November. Had they voted against it, it would not have passed.
How anybody supported it shocks me. It is outrageous.
REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER.