When the record of an off-the-record interview goes on record
Fascinating issue brewing in Hamilton, Ontario, where a recording and transcript of an “off the record” media interview with the city’s mayor have been released to some media outlets. In that interview with Hamilton Spectator columnist Andrew Dreschel, Mayor Fred Eisenberger apparently reveals some sensitive information from an in-camera council meeting. Dreschel won’t confirm or deny what was said, sticking by the “off the record” nature of the conversation.
It turns out that the mayor’s communications director kept recordings of all media interviews, including this one. Dreschel too kept his own recording of the session. The city councillor who released the recording and transcript won’t say who gave them to him. Speculation on that point is being fueled by the fact that the city is currently being sued by the mayor’s former communications director, apparently for unfair dismissal.
The mayor was quick to admit that he had in fact revealed sensitive information during the “off the record” interview and has called for a police investigation, saying the recording of the interview was stolen.
Posted: July 3rd, 2008 under Crisis Management, Interview Transcripts, Legal Issues, Political Tips.