The USBWA and APSE were pleased to learn Saturday that reporter Dave Reynolds of the Peoria Journal Star, a 29-year veteran of the Bradley University basketball beat, was back on the job fulfilling his role as a journalist after having his access restricted by the athletic department. Bradley took important steps with its apology, admission that the situation was not handled appropriately, and commitment to working on its relationship with the Journal Star. It’s always encouraging when a reasonable solution can be brought forward from an unreasonable situation.
The media has never been under attack as it is now, sometimes motivated by self-interest and other times by a lack of understanding of our role in society. The pursuit of the truth can be messy and doesn’t always line up with what the people and institutions we write about want to read and hear. We understand the importance of acknowledging our mistakes with complete transparency.
But it’s our role to protect and cherish the truth, not a brand. Sometimes they align. Sometimes they don’t. Either way, we will continue to aggressively protect and defend our Constitutional mandate to a fair and free press.
We look forward to seeing Mr. Reynolds use all the journalistic tools he has had restored to him. And we wish Bradley a safe journey as it continues its season.
John Bednarowski
President, Associated Press Sports Editors
David Teel
President, United States Basketball Writers Association
