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Three weeks after the Branch Herald reported on restrictive media policies in Farmers Branch, the City Council on Nov. 4 discussed guidelines for how elected officials should communicate with journalists.
The study session revealed differences among council members about media relations. Some sought better relationships with journalists. Others emphasized distinguishing personal from official positions. At least one questioned whether voluntary guidelines serve any purpose.
"I just want us to be cautious that when we do speak with the media that we be careful as a council that we're not speaking as full representation of the overall council in general," said Council Member Roger Neal, who requested the discussion.
The proposed guidelines outline what council members may say and should avoid saying when speaking to media. Council members may express individual opinions using disclaimers when their views differ from official council action. They may say "no comment." They should notify the city manager about media interactions.
Council members should avoid discussing personnel, procurement, undisclosed economic development deals and litigation. They should not suggest consensus among a quorum outside posted meetings, criticize colleagues or staff, or share non-public information.
Administrative Services Director Stacy Henderson presented the guidelines.
In an interview before the meeting, City Manager Ben Williamson said the city is trying to shift its approach. "We're trying to be a better partner is the goal on this one," Williamson said.
Since the October reporting in the printed Herald newspaper that is still available at news stands around Farmers Branch and Addison, communication between the Branch Herald and city officials has improved. Calls and emails are now returned. Williamson proactively contacted the Branch Herald regarding the DART withdrawal discussions and media policy issues before the Nov. 4 council meeting and study session.
But the guidelines carry no enforcement mechanism, and Henderson emphasized this point multiple times.
"These are guidelines," Henderson told the council. "This is a tool to help you when you are interacting with the media."
That lack of enforcement drew questions. When Council Member Elizabeth Villafranca asked about repercussions for leaking information to the media, City Attorney Nicole Corr pointed to existing accountability measures.
"I would remind everyone that you still have a code of ethics,” Corr said. “You guys manage yourselves. You control yourselves."
Council Member Omar Roman focused on the enforcement gap.
"This policy is just a guideline. It's not really enforceable," Roman said. "I just want to make sure we're not wasting time on something that's not enforceable."
Roman distinguished between factual information, which he said merits coordination, and personal opinions, which he argued should remain beyond regulation as protected First Amendment speech.
"In terms of stating I agree with this, I don't agree with this, I think that's something that should not be regulated by the governing body," Roman said.
Other council members focused less on enforcement than on improving relationships with media. Council Member Tina Bennett-Burton urged staff to build proactive relationships.
"I would like to see the city staff have a better relationship with the media. I'd rather you guys have a relationship on the front end," Bennett-Burton said. "It's a lot easier to tell the truth on the front end than to correct the misinformation on the back end."
The discussion follows the Branch Herald's October reporting that Farmers Branch maintained what Williamson called "defensive" policies designed for traditional television news. The approach traditionally required reporters to file formal public information requests and pay associated fees for basic stories. Staff had routinely declined interviews. City council members had been advised against speaking to local media.
Williamson explained the old approach developed when media contact was rare and usually negative.
"A lot of this was prior to having a local media source," Williamson said. "So whenever Channel 5, WFAA, Fox 4 called, it was never for good news."
He said the city now plans to help council members engage with the media by providing preparation and talking points, similar to how officials prepare for speeches or public events.
Mayor Terry Lynne, who defended the city's communication efforts in the original reporting, emphasized his role supporting council decisions regardless of personal opinion during the Nov. 4 study session.
"My job is to support the will of the council, and whether I agree with it or not, I'm promoting that and promoting the city," Lynne said. He added he's "always trying to be very careful that I'm not getting trapped into something or that my words are not being misconstrued."
Council Member David Reid stressed the importance of distinguishing personal views from official positions to avoid confusing the public.
"If we do not disclose that it is our personal opinion, it's automatically going to be assumed and broadcast as being what the city is saying," Reid said.
Reid reminded colleagues the city employs a communications director whose job includes media relations. He suggested officials direct inquiries to staff for well thought out, well constructed official positions.
The council directed staff to incorporate guidelines into new council member orientation and review them annually. Bennett-Burton advocated that all sitting council members attend annual sessions to ensure consistency as policies evolve.
The guidelines will remain educational rather than binding. No formal media liaison was appointed.
The outcome leaves Farmers Branch with voluntary recommendations rather than policy changes. Williamson said the city will support council members who engage with media by preparing them with talking points and briefings.
"A lot of times what we will do is we always prepare our council members, whether it's a meeting, whether it's something else, and give them talking points so that way they can still talk to you about it," Williamson said. "They have notes to reference just like anybody giving a speech would."
Whether the guidelines will alter the city's approach to media relations remains to be seen. The council's decision to treat guidelines as training material rather than enforceable standards suggests incremental steps rather than fundamental shifts in communication strategy.
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