Nixon reverses after trying to ban media phones

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Jay Nixon got off to a rocky start with the media by attempting to collect their cell phones before his first news conference.

Nixon scheduled a news conference on his first full day in office on Tuesday to announce several economic development actions. Before allowing the media in, Nixon's staff said reporters needed to leave their cell phones outside his office.

Nixon spokesman Scott Holste claimed the cell phone ban was for security reasons, although cell phones have been allowed by previous governors.

After the media threatened to boycott Nixon's news conference, Nixon's office reversed course and allowed reporters to carry in their phones.

Nixon communications director Jack Cardetti said later that the cell phone ban will stand for other non-media meetings with the governor.