Jones: Story on competitor no conflict

Harrah's communications executive Jan Laverty Jones raised eyebrows Jan. 3 when she appeared on a local television newscast not being interviewed about Harrah's -- but reporting a story about a competing casino.

Jones, in her role as consultant for KLAS Channel 8, reported on plans for the New Frontier to be imploded and replaced by a San Francisco-themed resort.

Jones said her job at the CBS affiliate is to discuss and analyze political issues for the station's viewers. As an insider, she said, she can help put stories into perspective.

"It's important when people receive the news that they have an insider's view," Jones said. "News people don't have that kind of background. I stay away from (gaming) industry issues on Channel 8."

Yet Jones reported the New Frontier story Jan. 3.

Jones had been invited by Frontier executives to talk about their plans. At that point, no public announcement had been made on the Frontier plans, and only Jones and a Las Vegas Sun reporter were invited to a meeting with Frontier owner Phil Ruffin.

Jones defends her reporting of the story, saying it's not usually her job to be a reporter but that she believes no conflict of interest existed.

"The Frontier called me, said, 'We'd like you to break this story,' " Jones said. "It was a good opportunity for Channel 8. (Other reporters) were all out on other assignments, and Phil Ruffin said he would like to talk to me.

"It would be another thing if I was breaking a scandal. That was just a new property. (The news) is going to be broken anyway. It's good news for Las Vegas. This industry never worries about competition. ... It thrives on competition."

Was the role appropriate? A UNLV professor said that question is ultimately up to the viewer.

"Any news organization's reputation is based on its credibility," said Martin E. Halstuk, assistant professor of media law and policy at UNLV's Greenspun School of Communication. "Credibility is founded on the three principles of objectivity, accuracy and neutrality.

"So the question to ask oneself is, is her role one that can be perceived as neutral? Are her statements accurate? Is she objective? If that can be met, it would enhance credibility. If any questions arise when looking at that three-pronged test, then one could reasonably wonder whether credibility, specifically the credibility of a news organization, is being undermined."

Channel 8's news director could not be reached for comment.

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