David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project, and Mickey Nall, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Public Relations professional-in-residence, are quoted in “HCA North Florida Hospital: ‘BOLO’ for Mainstreet Journalist” published in Gainesville, Florida’s Mainstreet Daily News on Feb. 29.

The article focuses on a “Be on the lookout” or BOLO notice issued by HCA North Florida Hospital indicating that hospital staff should contact security if they see Mainstreet Daily News correspondent Gary Nelson. Nelson has been reporting on recent elective surgery disruptions due to sterile processing equipment issues.

Cuillier said he has never seen a BOLO sign for a journalist.

“I doubt there is any law against posting a flyer about a reporter,” Cuillier said. “But the optics are terrible. This is one of the worst examples of excessive information control I think I’ve seen yet.”

Nall said the best practice in a crisis is to remind staff to direct questions to the communications director. He said posting a BOLO notice does not achieve the same effect. “This organization doesn’t have a PR problem. They have an operational problem… and part of that is now becoming a PR problem when you politicize, or demonize, a member of the working, free, legitimate press. Mr. Nelson is an award-winning journalist. He’s not in this for ‘gotcha’ moments or silliness.”

Posted: March 4, 2024
Category: Brechner Center, College News
Tagged as: BOLO notice, Brechner Freedom of Information Project, David Cuillier, Mainstreet Daily News, MIckey Nall, Public Relations