Tulsa Topics

In a recent post, I told you about a Maine blogger that was SLAPP'ed (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) for his criticism of Maine's Department of Tourism. This morning I rec'd an update from the Media Bloggers Assoc.:

MBA LEGAL ALERT UPDATE - MAINE LEGISLATOR CALLS FOR MOT INVESTIGATION, SUSPENSION OF AGENCY CONTRACT

In what can only be hailed as a major step forward in the efforts of the Media Bloggers Association to defend MBA Member Lance Dutson, State Rep Stephen Bowen (R-Rockport) called today for a full investigation into the management of both the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and the contractors it hires to produce tourism materials for the state. In addition, in a letter to state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Jack Cashman, Rep. Bowen called for the Maine Office of Tourism to suspend its contract with WKP, pending the results of the lawsuit.

The agency, Warren Kremer Paino Advertising (WKP) has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit for defamation against Lance Dutson, a Maine blogger, for publishing criticism of the agency and publishing an image of a sample ad prepared by the firm which contained a phone number directing callers to a phone sex line.

"Unless the state takes steps immediately to distance itself from WKP's actions, it risks reinforcing its image as a state that is not only challenging to businesses generally, but which appears prepared to punish those that question its actions," Bowen said today.

More>>....

The support of my fellow bloggers at the Media Bloggers Association, through their extensive efforts to get this story told, has been a tremendous relief to us. We are strengthened in our stand by this support, and also by Representative Bowen’s continued support. And everyone else who has posted, commented, emailed, called, and written to legislators on our behalf, this has been a huge help, and my family and I sincerely thank you.

Related Links:

mainewebreport: State Legislator Calls for Investigation, Contract Suspension