Credibility is crucial for the survival of long-standing institutions, Gov. Mike Parson told Missouri media outlets Thursday.
"Sometimes I think the role you play is very significant for the people that listen to you," the Republican governor told the gathering of Missouri journalists. "And I think, in our time, we all need to make sure that that credibility stays with me as governor, stays with you as reporters, stays with your owners.
"It is a voice that we need to make sure we protect, just like the history of who we are."
Reporters from around the state traveled Thursday to Jefferson City for Missouri Press Association's Day at the Capitol. After hearing from lawmakers and the state treasurer at the Capitol, the governor hosted members of the media for lunch at the mansion.
Seeking answers to some of the most pressing issues facing their communities, reporters asked about state plans for expanding child care, schools going to four-day weeks, developing new recreational opportunities with the Rock Island Trail, enforcing public safety in St. Louis and how the state can stay competitive in attracting workers.
They also asked about some of the issues affecting their industry, such as legislation seeking to restrict access to public records, bills that would lift requirements for public notices to be published in newspapers and a new policy that revoked Capitol ID badges for members of the Capitol Press Corps.
Parson said local newspapers still play a vital role in many communities throughout the state, even as many find it difficult to survive, but expressed concern with them running stories other outlets produce. He referred to the Missouri Independent as a "blog" and said he doesn't understand why the state would be obligated to provide its reporters with parking or office space as it does other media outlets.
He cautioned against biased reporting and said Missourians are hungry for the facts.
"I think at the end of the day, you have one of the largest voices and credibility, if you do it right," Parson told the media.
Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, told reporters he doesn't want to create laws that make Missouri's Capitol "darker than it is."
A bill working through his chamber would modify the definitions of "closed record," "public business," "public meeting," and "public record," as they relate to Missouri's Sunshine Law, which is used to request access to public records. Three other bills have been filed in the House.
Rowden said he generally doesn't think the Sunshine Law needs to be limited but he would be interested in looking at protecting personally identifiable information that can be accessed through records requests.
House Speaker Dean Plocher, a St. Louis Republican, said he's interested in seeing what lawmakers in House committees decide to do with Missouri's Sunshine Law.
"I want transparency. I want you all to have access to reasonable things so you should report what's going on because we're all public servants here. We don't want to hide stuff," Plocher told reporters Thursday. "But at the same time, it needs to have a rational basis for disclosure and not be incredibly intrusive to have to reveal crazy stuff, whatever that -- I don't know what that might be."
Plocher said transparency is important but "newspapers are sort of a dying breed, if you will."
"Having a cup of coffee and opening up a newspaper and reading the sports section, I don't do it anymore," Plocher said in response to a question about bills affecting legal notices.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Gov. Mike Parson answers questions while addressing members of the media Thursday during Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol. The annual event features meetings with legislators in the Capitol followed by lunch and a press conference at the Governor's Mansion.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Gov. Mike Parson answers questions while addressing members of the media Thursday during Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol. The annual event features meetings with legislators in the Capitol followed by lunch and a press conference at the Governor's Mansion.
Julie Smith/News Tribune photo:
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson answers questions while addressing members of the media Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at the state Capitol.