The Era of her ways

Some say the Error Banner has no pretence of journalism, I would argue that is the only aspect of journalism they do have under the leadership of their editor in chief.

Back in May the paper patted its own back with an article highlighting several awards they have won, 16 of which came from their own company Metroland Media:  http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1346958–yrmg-nets-record-award-haul

In the article, editor in chief of the Error Banner Ms. Debora Kelly is quoted as saying : 

"It’s our readers, not contest judges, who give us the real reason to be passionately committed to excellence in journalism.”

Certainly an interesting summary given the issue of the Banner's readership was recently debated at Aurora council, and was the reason it lost its contract for the notice board with the town. 

In attendance for the item regarding the noticeboard Ms. Kelly frumpily deposited herself near the council chamber entrance.  She then spent a good portion of the next hour out in the hallway in conversation with former, one term mayor Phyllis Morris.

This marks the 3rd week the Auroran has run the town's notice board.  I covered the lead up to that decision in a previous post here: 

http://christopherwatts.posterous.com/unnoticed-board

Recognized back in 2010, Kelly came in 2nd for Columnist of the Year by the OCNA Better Newspaper Awards.  A year later when she was recognized for "leadership" I commented on it in a previous post here:

http://christopherwatts.posterous.com/were-on-a-mission-from-dog

Quoted in her own paper Kelly stated:  

"What makes local newspapers successful, and relevant, during a time of struggle for most daily newspapers is their different perspective." 

If there is any truth in Kelly's statement it is confusing to learn that the very same editor in chief engaged in the following public exchange with Aurora Clr. Chris Ballard:

What exactly is Kelly going to let Era Banner readers know?  

Why the need for a smiley face emotion, and more importantly what purpose is it of hers to reference the date of the next municipal election?

Given that Kelly's twitter name is "@dlkyorkeditor" and references her position, along with the fact that there is no disclaimer anywhere on her profile that her tweets are hers and not of Metroland I have to conclude that these tweets are representative of Metroland Media and TorStar.

In these exchanges Kelly appears to have violated Metroland Media's Code of Business conduct as outlined here:

http://www.torstar.com/html/investor-relations/Corporate_Governance/Code_of_Business_Conduct/index.cfm

Specifically:

7. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Torstar will not take part in any partisan political activity. 

and

4. DEALINGS WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS: All dealings between Employees and public officials are to be conducted in a manner that will not compromise the integrity or impugn the reputation of any Employee or Torstar. Torstar and its representatives will not engage in or undertake lobbying activities as defined in the Lobbyist Registration Act (Canada) and the Lobbyist Registration Act (Ontario) without (a) the prior express approval of the CEO or CFO, and (b) working with the General Counsel to ensure that all registration requirements under the applicable legislation, regulations and related laws are met.
And although I have been informed that Metroland Media is not bound to the Toronto Star's Journalistic standards, because they are the parent organization to Metroland Media it is worth consulting their guide here: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/publiceditor/article/1098344–toronto-star-newsroom-policy-and-journalistic-standards-guide

When doing so it appears that Kelly's twitter comments are not in line with these standards.

Good faith with the reader is the foundation of ethical and excellent journalism. That good faith rests primarily on the reader's confidence that what we print is true. Every effort must be made to ensure that everything published in the Star is accurate, presented in context, and that all sides are presented fairly.

The following are specific standards with respect to Social Media:

Blogs and Tweets: Blogs and tweets of Star columnists, reviewers and editorial writers may include their opinions, subject to the rights and responsibilities of fair comment. Journalists who report for the Star should not editorialize on the topics they cover through social media or online comments as readers could construe this as evidence that their news reporting is biased. 

Care should be exercised by all editorial staff, but particularly those reporting the news, to avoid open endorsement of any political candidate or cause, including personal comments in online and social media platforms. 

Anything a Star journalist posts on these sites reflects on the writer and the Star in the same way any other published work does.
All of the standards and responsibilities of Star journalists outlined elsewhere in this policy guide also apply to social media platforms. 

Never post information on social media that could undermine your credibility with the public or damage the Star’s reputation in any way, including as an impartial source of news. Such postings could be construed by readers as evidence that the Star’s news coverage is biased. Remember, readers will hold the Star responsible for its staff participation in social media.

Kelly and Ballard's exchange continued with both stumbling around the concept of ethics:

For someone preoccupied with 2014 being a Banner year, perhaps Kelly shouldn't be so quick so lecture others on ethics, and start reviewing her own.