When Power Attempts to Silence Truth: The Battle for Independent Journalism
Support Our Town Reno
In a troubling display of political muscle-flexing, Councilmember Devon Reese's supporters have launched a coordinated effort to discredit and potentially silence Our Town Reno—all for the journalistic sin of publishing a public police report documenting Reese's alleged disagreement with a 73-year-old citizen, who is known to Reese and his law partner. This took place at a local wine bar.
A calculated intimidation campaign reveals a fundamental misunderstanding—or perhaps deliberate mischaracterization—of journalism's essential role in democratic governance. Public records exist precisely to ensure transparency and accountability. Our Town Reno's decision to publish this report represents not sensationalism, but the core function of a free press.
The attempted suppression exposes a profound irony: Washoe County's government celebrated Freedom of Information Day on social media while simultaneously participating in an ecosystem that punishes those who exercise this very freedom. This cognitive dissonance between performative transparency and actual censorship should concern every citizen who values honest governance.
Our Town Reno serves a vital function in our media ecosystem by amplifying voices systematically marginalized by mainstream outlets—those experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, and social disenfranchisement. Their journalism exists not for profit but for public service, a mission increasingly rare in our commercialized media landscape. I don’t see the journalists from Our Town Reno buying homes at Lake Tahoe, or living in a gold community such as Somersett.
The orchestrated attack against this outlet should be recognized for what it is: an attempt to control the narrative through intimidation rather than engage substantively with legitimate reporting. When elected officials mobilize their supporters to silence critics rather than address substantive concerns, they reveal their true priorities—personal reputation over public accountability.
Those participating in this campaign might consider the precedent they're establishing. Today's target is a news outlet you disagree with; tomorrow's may be one you depend on. The integrity of our information ecosystem requires defending even those whose reporting makes us uncomfortable.
Mike Clark
Washoe County Citizen
While Washoe County celebrates Freedom of Information Day they continue to deny public record requests, however, they have their reasons.