A Sponsorship Scandal at The (Washington) Post (Dinosaur Media DeathWatch™)

The Washington Post ^ | July 12, 2009 | Marcus Alexander

[abb]

The Washington Post's ill-fated plan to sell sponsorships of off-the-record "salons" was an ethical lapse of monumental proportions.

Publisher Katharine Weymouth and Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli have now taken full responsibility for what was envisioned as a series of 11 intimate dinners to discuss public policy issues. For a fee of up to $25,000, underwriters were guaranteed a seat at the table with lawmakers, administration officials, think tank experts, business leaders and the heads of associations. Promotional materials said Weymouth, Brauchli and at least one Post reporter would serve as "Hosts and Discussion Leaders" for an evening of spirited but civil dialogue.

While Brauchli and Weymouth say they should have realized long ago that the plan was flawed, internal e-mails and interviews show questions about ethics were raised with both of them months ago. They also show that blame runs deeper. Beneath Brauchli and Weymouth, three of the most senior newsroom managers received an e-mail with details of the plan.

Lower down, others inside and outside the newsroom were aware that sponsored events would involve news personnel in off-the-record settings, although they lacked details. Several now say they didn't speak up because they assumed top managers would eventually ensure that traditional ethics boundaries would not be breached.

Neither Weymouth nor Brauchli can recall anyone raising concerns, although both say they wish someone had.

They were all aboard a fast-moving vehicle that, over a period of months, roared through ethics stop signs and plowed into a brick wall.

The crash occurred July 2, when Politico.com disclosed details of a Post flier seeking underwriters for the first dinner to be held July 21 at Weymouth's District residence. The damage was predictable and extensive, with charges of hypocrisy against a newspaper that owes much of its fame to exposing influence peddlers...

snip

[abb]

It is STILL bubbling!

[abb]

ping

[YHAOS]

The only 'flaw' in the plan was that it became a matter of public knowledge.

[browniexyz]

where are the indictments?

[abb]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003992792
‘Wash Post’ Ombud Calls Dinner Plan ‘Monumental’ Lapse

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003992394
‘E&P’ QUESTION OF THE DAY: How Much Would YOU Pay for ‘NYT’ on the Web?

[abb]

where are the indictments?

"Well, when the president Washington Post does it that means that it is not illegal."

[freekitty]

Ethical lapse my you know what. These guys are real losers.

[abb]

http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_212243445.shtml
Washington Post: All The Access Fit To Sell

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/business/media/12post.html?hp
Post Criticized for ‘Ethical Lapse’

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/07/11/wh-ethics-exemptions-would-have-made-wapo-salons-a-ok/
WH ethics exemptions would have made WaPo salons A-OK

http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2009/07/11/ethical-lapse-of-monumental-proportions-at-post/?cxntfid=blogs_jay_bookman_blog
‘Ethical lapse of monumental proportions’ at Post

http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0709/WaPo_ombud_Top_editors_knew_salon_plan_for_months.html
WaPo ombud: Top editors knew ‘salon’ plan for months

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090711/NEWS04/907110301/-1/NEWSMAP
Media dinners with insiders leave public hungry

[martin_fierro]

Publisher Katharine Weymouth and Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli have now taken full responsibility

No, "full responsibility" would entail resigning.

They've only said, "Whoops, my bad."

[justkate]

"As of late this week, only two Post readers cited the controversy as a reason for canceling their subscription. Only about 50 readers had written critical letters to the editor, about half the number The Post typically receives on a controversial topic."

Which tells us that the Post finally lost its last two subscribers with any common sense, basic intelligence or moral conviction.

The few remaining Post readers are hopelessly dimwitted, babbling fools who actually think they've "won".

[GOPJ]

Neither Weymouth nor Brauchli can recall anyone raising concerns, although both say they wish someone had.

Well, they're in luck. Next time they come up with some unethical harebrained scheme, the whole newsroom will stand up and tell them...in unison.

[abb]

LOL! Yes, like some newsroom slug is going to jump up and tell the two biggest bosses in the company they’re messing up.

“Hey Boss! Don’t do that! I’m warning you it’s not ethical!”

[Zakeet]

The Washington Post's ill-fated plan to sell sponsorships of off-the-record "salons" was an ethical lapse of monumental proportions.

Does journalism really have a code of ethics? You know, like doctors, lawyers, engineers and CPA's do? A code which is clearly stated and constantly enforced? One which requires you to take periodic continuing professional education courses and requires you to pass tests on your knowledge of the rules and your handling of various situations? One where you can lose your license and face civil and/or criminal prosecution for violating its tenets?

Or is this more made-up bullcrap from a craft pretending to be a profession?

[abb]

No and yes, in that order.

[353FMG]

“Publisher Katharine Weymouth and Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli have now taken full responsibility...”
.
What does that mean?

[Psycho_Bunny]

"Several now say they didn't speak up because they assumed top managers would eventually ensure that traditional ethics boundaries would not be breached."

lolololololololololololololololololol

[abb]

What does that mean?

Not a damn thing. No one is losing their job. No one is getting indicted. No one is demoted.

"We'll do better next time. We promise."

[bareford101]

this is ordinary Chicago politics which is swarming over the country since it has the legitimacy of presidential involvement

[rod1]

“Publisher Katharine Weymouth and Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli have now taken full responsibility...”

When did they resign? That is “full responsibility”. This,on the other hand, is little more than token hand wringing.

[Liz]

Publisher Katharine Weymouth and Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli have learned their lesson and have now revised the sponsorship plan.

For $25,000, the Wash/Po will let you watch several muscle-bound construction workers manhandle Rahm Emanuel.

"O-o-o-o-o, I can't wait.