Christian Winthrop, I have a few questions of my own for Newport Buzz.
1. Domestic Violence Awareness
Given your reported history of arrests involving domestic assault allegations, what has Newport Buzz done to raise awareness about domestic violence, supporting victims, and promoting accountability?
2. Cyberbullying and Online Aggression
Why do you continue to allow cyberbullying and personal attacks in the comment sections of your posts?
I fully respect freedom of speech and the importance of allowing differing opinions. However, there is a significant difference between constructive disagreement and personal attacks intended to intimidate, humiliate, or silence others.
At what point does a media outlet recognize its ethical responsibility to discourage hostility rather than provide a platform where it flourishes?
And what steps, if any, has Newport Buzz taken to address these behaviors?
3. Journalism vs. Opinion
In a video you previously directed at Colin Kennedy, you referenced having a White House press pass as proof that you were a "
“REAL" journalist.
Do you consider yourself a journalist? If so, what editorial standards guide your “reporting”?
When coverage consistently appears to favor certain individuals while targeting others, particularly during political campaigns, how do you distinguish objective journalism from editorial commentary or gossip?
4. Candidate Questionnaires and Fairness
During the 2022 campaign cycle, ChangeTheCharter.org distributed a candidate survey in which every candidate received the same questions.
Given your previously expressed displeasure with ChangeTheCharter.org, I find it interesting that Newport Buzz decided to distribute its own candidate questionnaire.
Has Newport Buzz conducted candidate questionnaires in previous election cycles?
More importantly, why were the At-large candidates asked predominantly different questions rather than being given a consistent set of questions that would allow voters to make fair comparisons?
What criteria were used to determine which candidates received which questions? How do you ensure that female candidates are treated with the same fairness and professional respect as their male counterparts?
5. Accountability and Community Responsibility
As a local media outlet, what responsibility do you believe Newport Buzz has in shaping public discourse and promoting respectful engagement within our community?
I look forward to your answers and would be happy to publish them on my website, stephsmyth.com, if you are uncomfortable responding here.
As I look forward to serving the City of Newport for another term, I intend to make advocating against violence, aggression, bullying, incivility, and unprofessional behavior an important part of my work.
We can disagree without being disrespectful. We can hold people accountable without resorting to personal attacks. And we can have difficult conversations without allowing hostility to overshadow the issues that truly matter to Newport residents.
Here's to a healthier, more respectful, and more civil Newport!