Kokomo Schools media policy an attack on journalistic integrity

As a former member of the local media, a sports fan, and a graduate of Kokomo Schools, I was dismayed and a bit shocked by the new media policy presented last week.

The policy, which strips away creative license and the rights of working members of the media, is a blatant attack on journalistic integrity. Asking any professional to completely surrender rights to his or her work simply for the privilege of covering a high school athletic event is beyond the pale.

I strongly encourage local media outlets—including The Kokomo Tribune, The Kokomo Lantern, and The Kokomo Post—to reject this blatant overreach by Kokomo Schools.

In the meantime, all publications should consider ceasing coverage of Kokomo Schools’ home games. Working professionals deserve to own the rights to their work and should not be expected to give them away just for the privilege of standing on the sidelines of a high school football game.

Ultimately, the ones most harmed by this policy will be the student-athletes. But in today’s world, it is vital to protect and preserve journalistic integrity and creative rights.

I am deeply disappointed in Kokomo Schools’ attack on both.

Stephen Geiselman
Kokomo