Journalist photo put on punchbag at Melksham Town Council

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A local journalist was the subject of a disturbing incident at a town hall when a photo of him was attached to a punchbag, prompting an official inquiry. The picture showed reporter Joe McCann’s face displayed alongside the words “punch me,” an act that has sparked outrage and concerns over intimidation faced by journalists. The event was met with serious disapproval by those present and raised questions about the treatment of reporters covering local government.

Joe McCann spoke out about the incident, emphasizing the importance of addressing such behavior. He told the BBC that no journalist should endure bullying or intimidation simply for performing their professional duties. McCann highlighted that local councils have endured challenging times, but journalists are merely reporting facts. He also expressed particular worry for younger reporters new to the industry who might be vulnerable in such hostile environments.

The council officer responsible for the offensive prank, Andrew Meacham, publicly apologized, calling it a “bad joke” for which he took full responsibility. Town Mayor Saffi Rabey initially admitted feeling “lost for words” upon learning about the incident and condemned the behavior as unacceptable. She assured that such conduct by council members or officers was entirely inappropriate and promised to convene a meeting with all involved parties to address the situation.

Following the incident, McCann noted that he had received supportive messages from several councillors expressing concern for his wellbeing. Meanwhile, the town council’s CEO has begun leading an investigation into the matter. Melksham Town Council has been contacted for comments as the inquiry progresses. The episode has brought renewed attention to the vital role of local journalism, particularly at a time when local government spending and decisions significantly impact communities

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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