Manx Herald Isle of Man: Bell prepared to ‘engage’ with OECD & EU but not the Manx Herald

Bell prepared to ‘engage’ with OECD & EU but not the Manx Herald
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Herald Editor on 27 March, 2009 10:25:00
 
When Treasury Minister, Allan Bell addressed the assembled media, with the
continuing notable exception of the Manx Herald, at yesterday’s press
conference - following the signing of the latest tax exchange agreement with the
French - he recited, to the ‘chosen ones’, how the IOM has led the way in
“engaging” with the OECD, EU and individual countries.
Mr Bell went on to say, in the interview recorded by Manx Radio, “we recognise
the international agenda to improve transparency and cooperation …… to
continue our support for that principle”.
However, the transparency, cooperation - and also his desire for a “level
playing field”, in areas that suit him - apparently does not extend to all the
media outlets operating on the Island. Presumably this is due to a perception
that certain media will be ‘hostile’ to IOM Government ‘PR’ ‘spin’
and ‘propaganda’.
The Manx Herald is currently challenging the ‘government’, and the Tynwald
management committee, to provide a copy of the criteria, and procedures, that
were ‘employed’ when extending ‘media accreditation’ to Manx Radio, IOM
Newspapers et al; so we can understand on what basis they received ‘approved
status’ but the Manx Herald doesn’t.
We will of course keep you informed of progress and any response we receive.