NPR: Point/Counterpoint: Journalists' Political Contributions

Point/Counterpoint: Journalists' Political Contributions

Filed under:

Credit: Getty Images

NPR's New York offices, and probably many other newsrooms across the country, were abuzz yesterday over an article on MSNBC.com about financial contributions journalists have made to politicians and political causes. It's a practice that some news organizations restrict or even forbid, while others have no policy on it at all. (NPR forbids political contributions and participation in political activities like marches and rallies.) At issue is whether contributing to a campaign or cause somehow erodes a journalist's credibility, and whether the practice should be restricted as a result.

I come from a long line of lawyers, which means I can argue either side (or both sides) of a debate. So here's my own Schizophrenic Point/Counterpoint. Take a side, and post your thoughts: Do you have a problem with journalists contributing to political campaigns and causes?

Yes, I have a problem with it. Objectivity and fairness in journalism may be an antiquated notion to some, or a marketing slogan to others, but it's still a code of honor in many newsrooms. A lot of people just want information, without editorials, so they can form their own opinions, and the ability to do that is predicated on that code being upheld by the people providing the information. How can I ever expect to get a fair report on a candidate from a reporter who actively supports or opposes that candidate?

No, I have no problem with it. We're all human beings, and human beings have opinions. Just because a journalist doesn't make a contribution doesn't mean s/he ceases to have an opinion on the matter. At the end of the day, you're putting some degree of trust in your chosen journalists to put aside their personal opinions and report the facts fairly. Besides, where do you draw the line? If I own a Mac computer at home, does that mean I can't do a fair report on the new iPhone?

Discuss.

Dan Pashman

1:57 PM ET | 06-22-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I'm pretty torn about this one as well. On the one hand, I think it's important for journaliststs to do whatever is reasonable to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest. Having said that, I also think it's reasonable for a person with integrity to be able to participate in certain political activities and remain disinterested in their reporting. Many bloggers like Jeff Jarvis and David Weinberger even go out of their way to post disclosure statements on their blogs, acknowledging their financial and political interests. That way, a reader can make an informed judgment about whether they're being biased in their writings. I wonder if any journalists practice that idea.

One thing that's kinda funny is that the ethics rules can also cramp your style when it comes to social activities here in DC. There have been a few times when I've been invited to a happy hour, then had to decline when I found out that attendees would be passing the hat for one political cause or another. Maybe the answer is to embrace a social form of the fairness doctrine - if you get together with friends at a liberal event, be sure not to hang out with them again until you've gotten together with other friends at a conservative event. :-)

Meanwhile, did anyone notice how George Stephanopoulos is filling in for Charlie Gibson on World News Tonight? I wonder how many people still associate him with his pre-journalism career as a Clinton aide and if that compromises his integrity. Apparently ABC must not think so.

Sent by andy carvin | 3:58 PM ET | 06-22-2007

On your discussion of the G8 leaders I was astounded by your mispronunciation of these leaders' names. Nicola SarkoZEE! Romano PRO-dy. The slaughter of these names just makes us a stupid and ethnocentric empire.

Sent by Leif | 5:50 PM ET | 06-24-2007

Now, Leif, let's be fair.
Just because someone sports a bad fake accent doesn't make him/her a fool or overly convinced of American superiority.

Sent by Alison | 3:50 PM ET | 06-25-2007

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
May we contact you with information about NPR programming and services? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Host

Alison Stewart

Welcome to 'The Bryant Park Project'

This new radio show from NPR comes to you weekdays, straight out of New York City. You can find audio and video from us here and in our podcasts. Bryant Park is not a talk show, but it is a conversation. Intrigued? Read our frequently asked questions and discussion rules.