The Editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Arnie Robbins, and Managing Editor Pam Maples have issued a statement about my termination:
"Sylvester Brown Jr. is no longer writing a column for the Post-Dispatch. Brown accepted the offer of a free trip to Washington from supporters of a group that he had written about in a column the day before ... Brown also had not notified his editors of his trip or the offer ... our ethics policy clearly states the parameters regarding conflict of interest, and what our journalists can and cannot do. Brown declined an opportunity to write a farewell column."
"Supporters of a group ..." Now, that's an interesting spin.
Yes, there are literally dozens of organizations that support the Illinois renewable energy effort as well as other efforts aimed at eliminating poverty world-wide and creating sustainable, reinvigorated urban communities. You know, sort of like the United Way supports hundreds of organizations working to serve the poor and disenfranchised.
So, let's say I'm working on a book (not a column) about nonprofits working to end poverty. Apparently, Post management alleges I'm forbidden to take a trip to the United Way headquarters if its leadership wants to provide me insights into the scope of the problem. Such research for a book, according to my interpretation of the Post's reasoning here, is suspect because I have written columns about local agencies supported by the United Way.
Illogical.
As to my travel without notice: Columnists are not, could not be and have never been nine-to-five employees with posted schedules. Management knows that. Enough said.
Apparently, the Post has a policy that stops a columnist who's been told repeatedly not to write columns on national issues, to "keep things local," from thinking about, researching and investigating a potential book about a national issue on his own.
Funny, no attorney I spoke with or Guild representative who vowed to arbitrate this case could find such a policy statement.
"Sylvester Brown Jr. is no longer writing a column for the Post-Dispatch. Brown accepted the offer of a free trip to Washington from supporters of a group that he had written about in a column the day before ... Brown also had not notified his editors of his trip or the offer ... our ethics policy clearly states the parameters regarding conflict of interest, and what our journalists can and cannot do. Brown declined an opportunity to write a farewell column."
"Supporters of a group ..." Now, that's an interesting spin.
Yes, there are literally dozens of organizations that support the Illinois renewable energy effort as well as other efforts aimed at eliminating poverty world-wide and creating sustainable, reinvigorated urban communities. You know, sort of like the United Way supports hundreds of organizations working to serve the poor and disenfranchised.
So, let's say I'm working on a book (not a column) about nonprofits working to end poverty. Apparently, Post management alleges I'm forbidden to take a trip to the United Way headquarters if its leadership wants to provide me insights into the scope of the problem. Such research for a book, according to my interpretation of the Post's reasoning here, is suspect because I have written columns about local agencies supported by the United Way.
Illogical.
As to my travel without notice: Columnists are not, could not be and have never been nine-to-five employees with posted schedules. Management knows that. Enough said.
Apparently, the Post has a policy that stops a columnist who's been told repeatedly not to write columns on national issues, to "keep things local," from thinking about, researching and investigating a potential book about a national issue on his own.
Funny, no attorney I spoke with or Guild representative who vowed to arbitrate this case could find such a policy statement.
Comments
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2009/04/more_on_sylvester_brown_p-d_editor_arnie_robbins_responds.php
I'm happy you're standing up to the Post, Sylvester. Another paycheck can be found, but integrity is a bit harder to come by. Too bad the managing editors can't seem to grasp that concept.
The Post has lost my readership today as well. I will also be encouraging other people I know to do the same.
It really disturbs me to know that you will no longer be writing for the Post Dispatch and that you were discharged in such a manner. I just finished watching the press conference and they should be ashamed of themselves. I agree that you are blessed, I can see that. There is an ora around you. I saw that the first time I met you and listened to the presentation that you gave. This is your friend Nisey Love-Payne from Meramec and because of you, I now have a voice too, one that I didn't know existed until you awakened it. Thank you so much for all that you have done in the past and will do in the future. I will be keeping an eye on you and I look forward to reading much much more. I will keep you in my prayers and I know that God has something special planned for you, I just can't wait to see it.
P.S. I am still writing my advice column for Meremac Montage, it is going very well and I too, may soon need to fight because my editor wants me to change my style of advice because it is not like Dear Abby. I am not Dear Abby, I am Ask Nisey and I am going to fight hard to keep my column the way it is because readers comment all the time on how much they enjoy reading my advice, so I must be doing something right. Please keep me in mind when you send out publications, I so enjoy your writing.
I'm frustrated over this nonsense. Keep being who you are. If there's anything I can do, please let me know. My friends and I have decided to no longer support the St. Louis post-dispatch. That was a given...hands down!
Many Blessings to you and your family...we are pulling for you!! And we will stay in touch through your blog!!
gmontroy
You have been a massive asset for this city.
Surely, someone will pick you up.
-betrott
One of the most quietly powerful perspective pieces on community history was Sylvester's elegant and evocative story of his return to burial ground of Pruitt Igoe. Nobody is capable of replacing his passion, his humanity and his talents as a jounalist.
I had been thinking about cancelling my subscription to the PD for about a year now. Without Sylvester, my last reason to maintain my subscription is gone. I'm guessing your dimissal from the PD had to do with a whole lot more that a trip to Washington.
Keep fighting Sylvester, the current PD isn't deserving of a man of your talents and personal integrity.