Did Worcester Make the Right Call by Turning Off Social Media Comments? The Roundtable Debates

 

“How much productive or useful back and forth communication is happening specifically from the city’s social media channels? I would say not a lot.”
Matt Wally

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- The Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, George Russell, Randy Feldman with host Hank Stolz debated the city’s decision to turn off social media comments, weighing arguments of free speech against the challenges of toxicity, misinformation, and legal complexities for government entities. Matt Wally supported the city’s decision to turn off social media comments, arguing that the platforms had become toxic and unproductive, “How much productive or useful back and forth communication is happening specifically from the city’s social media channels? I would say not a lot” and that citizens had numerous other effective ways to communicate with city officials.

 
George Russell explained the legal complexities surrounding government social media, noting that under federal law, an elected official’s page used for official business becomes a “public square” where comments cannot be legally blocked.
 
They then discussed the local newspaper’s switch to delivery via the U.S. Postal Service, concluding it was a sign of the shift to online news and would likely lead to a drop and the eventual end of print subscriptions.
 
Finally, the roundtable analyzed a proposal to expand alcohol sales to more city parks for special events, with all speakers generally supporting the idea, provided proper regulations were in place.Randy Feldman  was a strong advocate for allowing alcohol in parks, stating it was a step toward America developing a healthier and more intelligent relationship with alcohol, similar to European cultures.
 
 

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