MSNBC is furious right now over the cancellation of a New York Times journalist that had been scheduled to appear with Rachel Maddow.
As it turns now, The New York Times has issued a mandate its journalists will no longer be able to appear on what management deems to be a partisan political show.
Partisan Politics Flagged
The “Rachel Maddow Show” is one of many shows the NYT journalists have been forbidden to appear on.
Additionally, Lawrence O’Donnell, Don Lemon, Tucker Carlson, and Sean Hannity were all among the hosts deemed to be unworthy of having an NYT journalist on their show.
The fear by the publication is in the current political climate, opinion shows on both sides of the aisle are getting much more opinionated.
Ultimately, when anyone appears on one of these shows, they are being forced to take a side rather than to simply report the news.
Either way, it is bad for business.
Rather than get tagged as being pro-Trump or anti-Trump, management is taking the route to avoid being put in that position altogether.
The opinion of management “is that, intentionally or not, it affiliates the Times reporter with a bias.”
Old Policy
While the story is circulating that this is a new policy, the Times insists it is one that has been on the books for quite some time.
In the Times’ “Ethical Journalism” handbook, this is clearly defined:
“In deciding whether to make a radio, television, or Internet appearance, a staff member should consider its probable tone and content to make sure they are consistent with the Times standards.
“Staff members should avoid strident, theatrical forums that emphasize punditry and reckless opinion-mongering.”
Considering Rachel Maddow actually cried, and not in a good way, when Trump was elected, it is pretty safe to say her show falls under that category.
That, however, did not stop MSNBC from lashing out at the publication over the recent cancellation.
The network, in fact, took some credit for making the Times relevant again, stating, “They are the beneficiaries of some very positive exposure for their journalists.”
Regardless, the Times appears to be trying to get away from the constant hits by Trump and falling circulation by at least appearing to be neutral on the subject.
Source: Vanity Fair
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