JG Editorial Excerpt:The above quote was part of the editorial written by Scott Angus, editor of the Janesville Gazette and vice president of news for Bliss Communications. His boss is Publisher, Editor and President, Sidney H. Bliss, who happens to sit on the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Board of Directors.
Here's an important passage that leads off our ethics policy:
"Editorial employees of the Janesville Gazette should remember that credibility is our most important asset. Employees should avoid conflicts of interest that might compromise our credibility. Just the perception of a conflict can hurt our credibility, even if the apparent conflict has no bearing on our coverage."
JG Editorial Excerpt:What? Notoriously political chambers of commerce are excluded?
We don't prevent people from helping their communities. In fact, we encourage volunteerism. We just don't let newsroom employees take public or leadership roles in any effort or organization. That includes churches, Scouts, youth sports clubs and more.
JG Editorial Excerpt:....or else offend the boss.
Our ethics policy also spells out that news employees cannot help with political campaigns or activities, and we're not allowed to post yard signs, wear buttons or put bumper stickers on our cars.
It's worth noting the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal's exemption to similar rules of their own just for executives.
Sentinel Journal Excerpt:How convenient.
Executives on the business side of the paper will, from time to time, serve on the boards of community groups. It should be firmly understood that absolutely no preferential treatment will be given to groups to which business-side executives belong.
2 comments:
"Our ethics policy also spells out that news employees cannot help with political campaigns or activities, and we're not allowed to post yard signs, wear buttons or put bumper stickers on our cars."
But they are allowed to word their articles showing favoritism or negativity towards candidates.
And the credibility clause is pretty good too. Like when an article blasting somebody says "written by staff writer" it's usually Dupree writing it. I guess Dupree helping candidates with debates doesn't count either.
Obviously I agree with you. Sunday's editorial by Angus seemed to be a response to someone wondering why Gazette employees are not involved in community volunteerism, particularly after their latest public steering job about no-pay for city council.
The editors edit reality shaped by whatever position or principles are at the top. We can call it "trckle-down objectivity." I place the blame there. The Gazette daily edition apparently meets someones definition of that reality. It clearly doesn't meet yours or mine.
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