PSA Newsroom Clarifies Public Access and Reporting Standards Following Online Claim

PSA Newsroom Clarifies Public Access and Reporting Standards Following Online Claim

PSA Newsroom is issuing a clarification following a public social media post by an editor of a competing publication that inaccurately described PSA Newsroom as a “private, blocked” group and questioned PSA’s decision to report verified breaking news involving the death of a public official.

In the post, Leigh Ann Maynard wrote:

“We won’t post yet out of respect for the family. But you do you with your ‘private, blocked, transparent’ group.”

That characterization is incorrect.

PSA Newsroom (psanewsroom.com) is a fully public news website, accessible to anyone without restriction, membership, or paywall. While PSA does operate a separate private group, that group is not PSA Newsroom and is unrelated to PSA’s independent reporting. A public PSA Newsroom Facebook page is currently in development and will serve as an additional outlet for sharing verified news.

The criticism regarding timing reflects a difference in editorial approach, not an ethical violation. Professional journalism standards draw a clear distinction between private individuals and public servants. The individual referenced in PSA’s original report was a long-serving elected official, not a private citizen. Once the death of a public servant is verified by reliable sources, it is customary and appropriate for news organizations to report that fact, while withholding unconfirmed details and avoiding speculation.

PSA Newsroom followed that standard. The initial report contained no speculation, no cause of death, no private family information, and no commentary. It stated only verified facts and clearly identified the story as developing.

PSA Newsroom was created in response to growing public concern over delayed reporting, selective coverage, and editorial framing in local media. PSA’s mission is to provide timely, fact-based reporting on matters of public interest—particularly when they involve elected officials, public institutions, or public accountability.

PSA Newsroom will also be unapologetic in covering news that others decline to report due to fear, pressure, or editorial agenda. Avoidance is not neutrality, and withholding verified information about public business does not serve the public interest.

PSA Newsroom’s editorial policy is clear:

PSA Newsroom reports the verified death of public officials when confirmed by reliable sources, using factual and restrained language while clearly noting when details are still developing.

PSA Newsroom remains committed to transparent, responsible journalism and to ensuring the public has access to accurate information in a timely manner—regardless of outside criticism or competition.