Utility refuses to talk to newspaper

Roger Chesley of The Virginian-Pilot reports how the state’s largest utility, Dominion Virginia Power, has been refusing to talk to the paper’s reporters who cover the company.

Chesley writes, “I’ve been told, privately, that Dominion has been miffed The Pilot doesn’t report more about ‘PR events,’ such as when Dominion employees volunteer in the community.

“News flash: That’s not news.

“Staffers at many businesses take the time to plant gardens, paint houses and sponsor food drives around the region. Those firms can honor employees in their own company newsletters.

“On Wednesday, I asked a Dominion flack whether the ‘no comment’ policy was still in effect.

“The company responded, in part, that it’s ‘one of the most open, transparent and accessible businesses in the commonwealth. Following a long history of inaccurate, biased and unfair news coverage and opinion pieces, and numerous conversations with Virginian-Pilot management and staff regarding that unfair coverage, we decided it serves no reasonable purpose to respond to inquiries from the Pilot.'”

Read more here.