Dayton Daily News publishes final report on CHL Records Roundtable

On May 5, the Dayton Daily News asked about 20 people to participate in a roundtable discussion about the issues of concealed handgun licenses and the public's right to know vs. an individual's right to privacy. The roundtable was part of a national effort sponsored by the Associated Press Managing Editors to encourage newspapers to discuss open government and freedom of information issues with their communities. The Dayton Daily News was the first newspaper in the country to present a roundtable under this program.

The day after the event, the newspaper published an Associated Press story, much of which had been written prior to the event, along with a promise of more complete coverage in the future.

On Sunday May 22, the newspaper published a rather dry recap. Aside from an op-ed by columnist Eddie Roth, the coverage appears to have been an attempt at simply republishing what took place, in the form of a page carrying an edited transcript, and a story listing selected excerpts, two video clips, and an online poll. But as longtime readers will probably not find surprising, even the DDN's best attempt at balance reveals bias.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS' TRANSCRIPT:

Open government roundtable: "Should permits to carry concealed weapons be open to the public?" - "Complete Transcript"
OFCC Note: Although the headline says "read the complete transcript", the observant reader will note that in the introductory description the paper admits this is an "edited" transcript. Although we can’t know what all they left out, it is evident that the transcript does not include the words of moderator Dr. Richard D. Stock. As such, some may find this format to be a difficult read.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION:

Privacy versus the right to know: "Should names of those who have permits to carry a concealed weapon be public?" - "Selected Excerpts"
OFCC Note: Why it was necessary to further edit the already edited transcript we aren’t quite sure....

COMMENTARY:

Eddie Roth: Roundtable discussion revealed common interests - Opinion Editorial
OFCC Note: Perhaps it was the fact that a large majority of the people on the panel and in the audience (including every member of law enforcement present) said these records should be kept private is what has Mr. Roth seeking common ground. But, of course, in the end, he still comes down on the side of the minority.

OTHER: