May 08, 2009
EXECUTIVE
For Immediate Release
Osage Nation
Communications Officer
Paula Stabler
918/287-5555
From the Office of the Principal Chief
Osage Nation, Pawhuska, OK -In the April 2009 issue of the Osage News, the paper expressed cautious optimism that Chief Gray would issue an executive order declaring the paper’s independence. On May 6, 2009, Principal Chief Jim Gray issued “Executive Order 09-03: Providing for a Free Press” thereby ordering elected officials and employs of the Nation to “refrain from interfering with the critical reporting of all issues of relevance to the Osage people,” further stating that “the Osage News shall be independent from any undue influence of the Osage Nation Executive Branch and free of any particular political interest.”
“I really think this finally sets us on the right path to giving our people reliable and intelligent reporting of information and views that will make our people better able to participate in our government as citizens,” stated Principal Chief Gray.
The Executive Order further provides for the establishment of an Editorial Council, “to ensure and protect editorial integrity in an Osage free press and provide proper guidance and oversight,” Those eligible for the Editorial Council must be at least 25 years old; not be a convicted felon, have demonstrable professional credential for at least five years, be physically able to carry out the duties, can not be an employee or elected official of the Osage Nation, and must swear an oath to uphold the accepted ethics of professional journalism.
“I am looking forward to our free press providing reliable and intelligent reporting that will stimulate the free flow of ideas and information amongst our Osage citizenry,” stated Principal Chief Gray.