Saint John city councillor bashing newspaper on Facebook

A Saint John city councillor is using an unconventional method to criticize a newspaper.

Jay-Young Chang, 32, has started an internetcommunity on the social networking website Facebook.com entitled "Is the Saint John Telegraph Journal a tabloid?" The title refers to the provincial newspaper New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, headquartered in Saint John.

In comments published on the group's message boards, Chang cited the newspaper's coverage on the Saint John harbour cleanup, the city's sick leave policy, and the gay community's fears of hate crime surrounding the recent Rockwood Park slaying as contributing to a negative perception of the city.

Chang confirmed Thursday that he was behind the group, but declined an interview with CBC News, saying he will speak to reporters when the group's membership reaches 300. More than 200 people have joined so far.

"To change to perception of our city we must all work together," Chang wrote in the group description. "The media has [sic] proven to be most co-operative. The radio, TV. All except for one the Telegraph-Journal seems to consistently focus on what's negative about Saint John. This is my opinion and I'll let you decide whether or not we should boycott this useless paper. The paper is tearing this city apart for no apparent reason, what is there [sic] agenda? Is this responsible reporting!"

That comment was removed by Friday morning, and replaced with comments on media attempts to contact Chang.

"I was more than willing to be interviewed by the [Telegraph-Journal] if it was legitimate story but instead it was about Facebook and our group," Chang wrote. "Off the record, I wanted to educate this reporter on the beliefs of many and then denied the request. I wish to warn the membership that the media will try and contact you soon, if not today! Say what you think and feel."

" Rest assure [sic] the Telegraph-Journal are not overly happy with this group and I will predict fireworks," Chang continued. "If anyone wants to take the gloves off, lets [sic] do it! I climbed higher mountains in my lifetime. Also, rest assure [sic] certain individuals associated with the TJ will try to infiltrate our group and destroy our beliefs."

The site has received both praise and criticism from Saint John Facebook users. A rival group has been created with the title: "Is Jay Chang's 'Is the Saint John Telegraph Journal a tabloid?' a tabloid?"

Chang, the youngest member of Saint John common council, was elected to council in 2004. The Telegraph-Journal reported Friday he has previously declined an offer of space in the newspaper's opinion section.