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City attorney outlines draft policy for media attendance at executive sessions using AG guidance
Summary
City attorney Ashley Wygott presented a draft executive‑session media attendance policy that incorporates Oregon Attorney General guidance on who qualifies as a representative of the news media, proposed application timelines and criteria for institutional affiliation; the policy is advisory and will return for council consideration.
Ashley Wygott of the city attorney’s office presented a draft policy on media access to executive sessions and explained how Oregon law and Attorney General guidance shape who may attend closed sessions.
Wygott said ORS 192.660(4) requires that representatives of the news media be allowed to attend most executive sessions, subject to limited exceptions (for example, labor negotiations or when a news organization is a party to pending litigation). Because the statute does not define “representatives of the news media,” Wygott said the city is using the AG’s guidance to evaluate applications and determine institutional affiliation.
The draft policy adds a list of known institutional outlets, sets a 30‑day advance application requirement and proposes that the city reply within 15 days. It incorporates AG factors for evaluating nontraditional outlets—examples include a formally organized business structure for gathering news, evidence of regular publication, staff beyond a single individual, and demonstrated processes for nondisclosure, conflict reporting and correction of errors. Wygott emphasized the draft is for consideration and not for action tonight and said comments from the public and councilors can be incorporated before a final policy is returned.
During public comment earlier in the meeting, a local radio representative asked that the policy consider community radio credentials; Wygott said staff would continue to refine the draft and bring it back.
Ending: Council members asked clarifying questions about the AG opinions and how paid airtime or contracted programming would be treated; Wygott said she would continue refining the draft for future consideration.
