Soccer Dad

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Yesterday the Politico reported that the Washington Post was offering its services to industry groups who wished access to the movers and shakers in Washington. Needless to say,as soon as word got out the event was canceled.

Jennifer Rubin writes:

There is simply no explanation for the appalling judgment that led the newspaper to leap from journalism to pimping access, like some low-rent lobbyist that lacks even the proper disclosure for its actions. In a perfect world, those responsible should resign.

Powerline adds (via Instapundit) :

Given that their publisher was the program's host and the paper's "news executives" were set to participate, the paper's suddenly discovering its ethical standards rings rather hollow.

The Post's ombudsman, Andrew Alexander wrote about the scandal and makes the following observation (via memeorandum).

The flier came out of the office Charles Pelton, who joined The Post recently to find ways to generate business through conferences and events. The Post, like many struggling newspapers, is desperately seeking new sources of revenue.

This is the wrong focus. The focus should be on a hypothetical: If John McCain were president now would we have seen a similar offer? (Powerline gives a Bush admininstration analogy.) I think the answer is "no."

Sure it's bad the Washington Post is selling influence, but what's worse is why it tried to do so, so brazenly. Yes, I know that the Post has now canceled the first "salon," and they assure us that no news reporters will take part in future "salons." But that's not the problem.

The problem that this little episode reveals is that the Washington Post is comfortable with the very people in the administration it reports one and suggests strongly that it is invested in the success of the administration. In other words, the blurb from the invitation "Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No." is likely to describe not just eventual salons, but the Post's coverage of the administration.

Remember even if reporters won't be represented at salons, some of the people who assign reporters to stories will be involved.

During Watergate scandal the Washington Post made its contemporary reputation by using investigative journalism to reveal abuses of power by President Nixon. Now it's exposing corruption again. This time, unfortunately the corruption is being exposed by its own actions.

Related: See Michael Kinsley's The Adventure of the Source Greaser.