Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County, Incorporated (BPSADC), an organization committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity and justice in sectors that adversely impact African Americans and other similarly affected groups in Dane County, released a statement on Monday expressing their concern about the treatment in the local media of Madison Police Department Chief Dr. Shon Barnes over a recent complaint filed with the City of Madison’s Department of Civil Rights by a police officer.
“The media influences politicians, prosecutors, police, juries, and everyday people not only by the facts reported, but also by the images, labels, framing, and narratives that those stories convey,” says the statement, signed by BPSADC President Rev. David Hart, Esq. and BPSADC Vice President Kirbie Mack. “To run with an allegation that is without credence is to actively participate in activities designed to sabotage Dr. Barnes’ tenure here and more importantly his career in law enforcement. Madison prides itself in its reputation as a “progressive, liberal” city but the surge of Black leadership in the city is revealing some disturbing cracks in that façade.”
The complaint, which is currently under investigation, alleges Barnes, who is African American, made sexually inappropriate comments to one of his officers during an exit interview. Hart told Madison365 that there were many people in the African American community that were “incensed” by the way this was reported in the local media.
The BPSADC statement follows:
As members of the Madison Black community, many of us are shocked by the statements released about Madison Police Department (MPD) Chief Dr. Shon Barnes without presenting a shred of evidence. As result, we demand that media outlets be fair, responsible and exercise the highest journalistic standards for all. Media coverage shapes the ability of individuals and communities to receive fair and equal justice.
When the media reports that Chief Barnes is being investigated for “sexually inappropriate comments” this creates the perception that he has behaved in a manner that is untoward. Nothing could be further from the truth and the media outlets must act in a more responsible manner, if they want to maintain public trust.
According to a recent Gallup Poll, the public trust in media is at an all-time low. In 2020, only 9 percent of Americans reported that they trust mass media “a great deal,” and nearly 60 percent said they have little to “no trust at all” in it.
The media influences politicians, prosecutors, police, juries, and everyday people not only by the facts reported, but also by the images, labels, framing, and narratives that those stories convey. To run with an allegation that is without credence is to actively participate in activities designed to sabotage Dr. Barnes’ tenure here and more importantly his career in law enforcement. Madison prides itself in its reputation as a “progressive, liberal” city but the surge of Black leadership in the city is revealing some disturbing cracks in that façade.
Our community is very disappointed that most media outlets rely on sensational headlines to attract clicks or views on their outlets. We demand that our journalists report verifiable facts (i.e., checking the sources). Further, we demand that the Mayor’s staff conduct a fair and expedient investigative process.
Things are changing in the city and not everyone is happy with those changes. However, the process for having your opinion registered is in the public forum—city meetings or the ballot box—not in backdoor deals and cloak and dagger attempts to destroy reputations and careers.
