NPR (and other news orgs) need to adopt transparency

There is this article:
Jeff Jarvis about NPR's restrictions

I agree with everything he said. I also think it's essential to understand the difference that's going on here. Although he didn't mention it, all the old media news organizations are falling in line with this edict: NY Times, Washington Post, AP, etc. Stay away from political rallies, staffers.

But as Jarvis astutely points out, it's a new time. We on the front lines of the new media don't sit on that objectivity fence. Our brands, our blogs, our presence online is indicated by our beliefs. We wear our opinions, loudly and proudly. Call it the New Honesty, if you will.

People want to know who they're talking to, and what those people believe. And if they choose to defer, or hide behind some corporate-speak, they are suspect.

So it is not only preferred that people attend these rallies if they want to, it is ESSENTIAL. It is a fundamental part of our democracy that people are allowed to speak their minds and their hearts, to participate in a rally, or give a donation, or put a sign on their lawn, if they are so moved to do so. NPR, supposedly liberal bastion NPR, doesn't allow them to do this.

WTF?

That is the reason this story keeps popping up in the news. It's WRONG. It's part of the stilted old-media mentality. The one that also allows Congress to believe that filibustering instead of actually getting things done is a preferred way to do business. One way or another, these people are all going to be dragged, kicking and screaming (or worse, pretending like they don't care) into the future.

Speaking up is the new law of the land. We expect transparency in our government, but it has to start with our reporters, those we trust anyway, taking a stand. How can you believe someone when they say (or infer): "This is wrong/right"--if they haven't stood on the front lines talking to people, taking a stand in their own lives? What credibility do they have?

I don't find a reporter to be "unobjective" if they attend a political rally. I trust that in doing their job, they will present both sides of the story. But who decided that what we do in our personal lives could be controlled by the corporations we work for? Why do we let this continue?

I agree wholeheartedly with Jarvis. Let's make this a trending topic on Twitter. Let's speak out about this in all our social media. It really speaks to the heart of why this country is so messed up right now.