**(Update)**

A few hours ago, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland had his office send out a press release after some stories about reporters being kicked out of City Hall. We're pretty sure the 'Friends' salutation is political.

Click here for the statement.

It appears that the Mayor of Memphis has issued a new policy that does not allow news crews in city hall unless they are escorted. 

Word is that Mayor Jim Strickland's office tweaked a policy, now requiring reporters to have appointments and escorts inside City Hall.

The change comes after a recent "security threat"-- a reporter was roaming city hall without an appointment while looking to force an "unscheduled" interview. 

WREG, WMC and WHBQ all did stories on the new policy and are not happy that the public can walk freely around city hall, but news crews can not.  

Here is WMC's take on the story: