The press gallery and other stuff to read

The Reading List for 24 Nov 23

Photo by Jonathan Singer on Unsplash

After a couple of books that were just not worth even reviewing - except to warn people off them - it is a much welcome pleasure to tell you about Michael Connor’s history of the press gallery association, that is of the reporters who cover the House of Assembly.

Admit strangers takes its title from the quaint language of Westminster parliaments that refers to outsiders, that is people who are not members of the legislature, as strangers. At the start of every session, the Speaker will tell the House staff to “Admit strangers!” or to allow ordinary citizens to the galleries to observe the debates and discussions.

Connors, former current president of the press gallery association at the House of Assembly and anchor of the NTV Evening News, has compiled a concise, detailed, and readable history of the association since 1949. It includes not only references to the association’s files but also quotes from prominent members over the past 60 years. There is a solid account of the association’s evolution, its legal status and relationship with the House it covers, as well as detailed discussion of several episodes in the 1980s that helped shape the relationship between the politicians and the people who cover the House.

This is not the last word, nor should it be the last word on the role of the local media and the provincial legislature. For anyone interested in the province’s history and for anyone keen to understand the politics of the House, this book is essential. Buy a couple of copies and give one to a friend. Mike deserves the encouragement to write another book.