Out of state biz journalists peeved at Rauner
Monday, Apr 27, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Welcome to Illinois…
If it was part of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s agenda to court the press during his speech at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers conference in Chicago, it didn’t quite work out.
Rauner, a businessman who made his fortune in private equity, gave the keynote speech on Saturday, the final day of the conference, to a nearly-full ballroom, pitching his ambitious agenda to transform Illinois.
He opened his speech with a request to reporters to help him pass his reforms, asking for the press’s support three times during his 15-minute speech. […]
After the governor wrapped up his speech, he declared he wouldn’t answer any questions from the audience. An audible groan rippled through the crowd. As he left, several reporters followed him into the hallway. […]
According to [Marty Wolk, president of SABEW], it was a difficult process to get Gov. Rauner to appear at the event. He explained that all speakers know beforehand that their comments are on the record and are expected to take a few questions, given their audience is a room full of business journalists.
“An hour before he arrived, his advance person said no questions from the podium, but that he would be available for 15 minutes afterward to meet people,” Wolk said. Rauner left immediately after his speech.
“For a public figure to say, ‘I want you to help me sell this story’ and not understand it’s a two-way conversation, and not take questions? It fundamentally misunderstands the role of media in this age. In any age,” Wolk said.
* Video…
Raw audio is here.
* This is not unusual. Here is the governor’s latest public schedule notice…
Daily Public Schedule: Monday, April 27, 2015
What: Governor Attends Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing Luncheon
Where: Chicago Marriott
540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Date: Monday, April 27, 2015
Time: 12:15 p.m.
Note: No additional media availability.
What: Governor Discusses Turnaround Agenda at Great Lakes Economic Forum
Where: Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St., Chicago
Date: Monday, April 27, 2015
Time: 2:15 p.m.
Note: No additional media availability.
Emphasis added.
