Rhode Island Gov. to Order State Workers to Stay Off Talk Radio

AP Photo/Joe Giblin

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee intends to ban state employees from going on talk radio, the Providence Journal reports. The governor will avoid the shows himself as well.

Chafee will continue to talk to reporters from local stations and the nonprofit local NPR affiliate, Michael Trainor, a spokesperson for the governor, told the newspaper. Trainor explained that the governor wants to avoid "ratings-driven, for-profit programming."

"We don't think it is appropriate to use taxpayer resources" to pay state employees to appear on for-profit shows, he said.

Bill George, the program director for Providence talk radio station WHJJ pointed out to the Journal that "most media outlets, whether news or opinion, are profit-making entities."

The governor's office issued a clarification saying the policy will not apply in "emergency situations," like impending snow storms, ABC News reports.

Talk radio host Buddy Cianci told ABC the move is "an affront to transparency."

Chafee, an Independent, recently succeeded Republican Gov. Donald Carcieri, who was often a guest on talk radio programs.

[ToughBreak]

I agree with Chaffee, although I don't know if what he's doing is entirely legal. I could see a ban on employees going on radio or TV programs during working hours. Obviously, they are not doing the job they are paid to do if they are on a TV or radio program "on the clock." Although, I suppose it would be the same as a doctor at a hospital going on a radio or TV program, even in their own time, and using their affiliation with the hospital to promote things like toothpaste or vitamins. I'm sure the hospital would have something to say about it, since that doctor does not represent the views of the entire hospital and staff, but is being portrayed as the "face" of the institution. Same thing with State employees. When they go on talk radio or TV shows, they are advertised as the "face" of the State although they are being asked for personal opinions that do not necessarily represent or are approved by the State.

[Awwshucks]

Let the fascism begin!

[wmb1957]

Is he going to ban them from getting on television, and news, and "for profit" web media.

He isn't clear whether it is all profits he despises and detests, or just that of talk radio.

Chafee, get a clue, most of us work for a profit. You get paid as governor, so you must like your profit if you like your pay. Hypocritical.

[RobAla]

Per Chaffee, I guess it is OK to allow state workers to be on left leaning NPR which is partly funded by taxpayers, but he wants to limit their free speech on for-profit talk radio? He should have no right to limit the free speech of a state employee; as they are American citizens. I'm just glad I don't live in Rhode Island.