CCA vs. Gannett

Over the past several years, the credibility of Gannett's local paper and many (not all) of it's reporters have been questioned by more than just a few local folks, especially since the departures of Seigenthaler & Sutherland, but no one has ever really publicly denounced their often questionable and frequently one sided methods...that is until now.

Finally someone, namely John Ferguson, Corrections Corporation of America Chairman and CEO, has decided to tackle the credibility of Silverman's gang and some of the lackluster reporting that has been spewing out of the local Tennessean newspaper.

This counter-attack, that we assume was spearheaded by their CEO, began early last month when the folks over at Corrections Corporation of America set up an entire website whose sole function is to "set the record straight" about their Nashville based company. Mr. Ferguson addresses, in detail, the frequent bashings sensationalism of CCA news that is often found within the pages of the Tennessean and even goes as far as questioning the journalism ethics of the Tennessean.

(snipet from Ferguson)
I do not know why Mr. Silverman and his staff would give sensational coverage to these empty claims. The editorial position of The Tennessean against private prisons should not be a factor in news coverage.
Our employees, our customers, our shareholders, our friends – even our opponents -- deserve to know the truth. The search for the truth used to be the bedrock foundation of journalism.
The Gannett Newspaper Division, which owns The Tennessean, has published its own “Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms.” The very first principle is: “Seeking and reporting the truth in a truthful way.” I invite any person to read the contents of this website, read the coverage CCA has received on these matters, and decide for themselves how well The Tennessean puts that principle into practice.
CCA is accountable for its actions to many constituencies. To whom is The Tennessean accountable? Its readers, for sure. Its corporate parent, the Gannett Company, also.

Ouch! Those were some harsh and well-written words that somewhat resemble the school bully being called out on the playground. Hmm...maybe they could resolve the entire conflict if Silverman would hire Ferguson to write for the Tennessean, but alas we know that won't happen. In the meantime you can read the entire letter and more over at the CCA's thecca360 website.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Chris Hondros