Generations of local journalists mostly took for granted their ability to access elected officials. Talking to the local newspaper or TV station was one of the only ways to get the word out, so politicians didn’t have much choice—even if they were mad at the coverage.

It’s not quite so simple these days. A mayor can talk directly to constituents through social media, or through influencers friendly to their politics. Anti-press sentiment is rampant across the political spectrum, leading some politicians to boycott reporters altogether. As Kyle Paoletta reported in a feature for CJR’s recent Access Issue, elected officials across the political spectrum seem less likely than ever to talk to journalists.

Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Chicago, is one of those press-shy elected officials. Melody Mercado, a staff writer for Block Club Chicago, is one of those journalists often looking for answers. As part of a special event tied to the release of the Access Issue, I interviewed Mercado about the ever-changing relationship between Johnson and the press, why access matters for local journalism, and how she does her job without it. “It’s never good, whenever you see a line that says XYZ did not respond to questions,” as she put it. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts.

Show notes:

City Paying Well More Than Typical Rent for Migrant Shelter Buildings—and Keeping Details Secret, Mick Dumke and Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago

Johnson’s ex–communications director faced misconduct complaints before firing, Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times

Go Pound Sand!, Kyle Paoletta, CJR

Credits:
Host: Megan Greenwell
Producer: Amanda Darrach
Audio engineer: Fernando Fermino
Video technician: Alex Hamm

Why Do You Have to Run from Us? Local reporters are struggling to get answers from the politicians they cover.

The Kicker

Why Do You Have to Run from Us? Local reporters are struggling to get answers from the politicians they cover.