If you ask some students, there have been several instances in the past year that could deem our local government "corrupt".
Media officials stress that they are just reporting the truth and not trying to exaggerate what our local government is doing.
The University of Memphis is holding a panel discussion of public officials and journalists tonight from 6:30 to 8 in the Rose Theatre that will focus on the media's coverage of local government.
"This will be a great event for anyone to attend, even if you're not a journalist," said sophomore Kimberly Taylor. "It will be a wonderful opportunity for people to see exactly what goes on while trying to a get the story, and let you know that sometimes you can't believe everything you hear."
"This will be an opportunity to air grievances and a dialogue to understand each other a little better," said Joe Hayden, a journalism professor.
The group of journalists will share observations, laughs and stories about covering government while local officials will discuss how they were covered.
Scheduled to attend the event are Otis Sanford, of The Commercial Appeal, Jackson Baker of The Memphis Flyer, Jim Turpin of WPTY-TV, Darrell Phillips of WMC-TV, Les Smith of WHBQ-TV and Memphis City Council members TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Tom Marshall and Dedrick Brittenum Jr.
"There will be so many great people speaking at this event, it will be exciting to see how they feel about this issue," said Jackie Brelden, a U of M junior.
The purpose of this event is to allow both sides, journalists, and government official, to air their opinions to the public.
"This will be a chance for charges and frictions that have been in the paper and on TV to be aired in a healthy fashion," Hayden said. "Also it will be a chance to let both sides answer questions."
Public figures such as Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton and state Sen. Ophelia Ford will be covered.
The forum will be sponsored by The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Everyone is urged to attend the event even if journalism isn't you major.
