Adams has closed his “apology” session to the public. It’s only for registered journalists. There’s additional security downstairs at City Hall, and journalists from Indymedia are being denied entry at this point. At least three members of the public, barred from the session, are being handled by Adams’ “public advocate,” who is apologizing profusely. Still, they’re not in the room.
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Even KBOO reporter and Mercury news intern Kyle Burris has had trouble getting in.

“When I first got here they told me it was for press only, I said ‘I’m press,’ they let me in, then about 30 minutes later I’m in the room, a guy asks me who I am, pulls me out of the room, asks me who I’m with, demands credentials and documentation, I told him I’m with KBOO, I got a mic in there with the name on the stuff, and he said, ‘but you don’t have anything on you with your name on it, and that’s highly unusual,” says Burris. “Then I insisted again that the name KBOO was on all my equipment in there, and he said ‘I’ll take your word for it this time, but next time, you should bring something.”

The Mercury has started a pool amongst the press over whether Adams will resign, and whether he will take questions. No takers, so far, although Katu reporter Brian Barker seemed like he might go for it, if it weren’t for “ethics.” Kidding.

I’ve given out my cards to those denied entry and will offer a number for a good first amendment attorney I know, should they be interested.

Matt Davis was news editor of the Mercury from 2009 to May 2010.

4 replies on “Adams Press Conference Barred To Public”

  1. “I’ve given out my cards to those denied entry and will offer a number for a good first amendment attorney I know, should they be interested.”

    I really hope this isn’t the same attorney that you were prepared to have subpoena my ISP for hurting your feelings on the intarwebz, Matt…

    Aside from the usual trolling, I’d like to honestly commend you on the coverage today. Good show.

  2. hey Matt,

    i was a bit surprised to be questioned at the entrance of City Hall… I had to show my business card and ID to a security person before they let me in both at the main street entrance and at the doors of the Rose Room. I was pretty pushy and essentially made it clear that I wasn’t about to be denied. I think my confidence is was what got me through.

    –Jonathan
    BikePortland.org

  3. I concur on the transparency of today’s coverage. It takes a brave and principled media outlet to cover themselves or one of their own like this.

    I hope you’re trying to get an interview with Amy Ruiz!

  4. Matt, I am starting to gain a little more respect for you, but you need to keep your nose to the grindstone and break this story wide open. I will suspend my Fire Matt Davis efforts for the time being. Thank you.

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