The New York Times already has a way around this through Op-Ed columnists. Thus, it's okay for someone like Warren Buffett, Robert Reich, or someone the Times hires on spec to completely ignore these policies. If TechCrunch were to adhere to the Times' standard, then Arrington might alternatively be either an Op-Ed columnist paid on spec for his pieces of writing, a reporter paid to do a job, or a staff editorial writer.
The reality is that this is a distinction without difference today (especially when editorial is mixed with reporting). Disclosure should be part of every article, op-ed, or editorial. As far as I'm concerned, TechCrunch is actually setting a more rigorous standard than the Times is for future media.
Opinion is different than news. Op-Ed columnists don't get the inside track on news that helps them make money and make money for others. Similarly, reporters stay off the opinion page. It's not just a matter of disclosing, the whole concept is against the policy of any reputable media organization (not that I'm of the opinion TechCrunch is, but that's what this is about).
The NYT doesn't let their reporters trade on companies they cover. Would it seem strange to you if a NYT reporter was hired to simultaneously manage a venture fund to invest in companies that are on his beat?
Comments
The New York Times already has a way around this through Op-Ed columnists. Thus, it's okay for someone like Warren Buffett, Robert Reich, or someone the Times hires on spec to completely ignore these policies. If TechCrunch were to adhere to the Times' standard, then Arrington might alternatively be either an Op-Ed columnist paid on spec for his pieces of writing, a reporter paid to do a job, or a staff editorial writer.
The reality is that this is a distinction without difference today (especially when editorial is mixed with reporting). Disclosure should be part of every article, op-ed, or editorial. As far as I'm concerned, TechCrunch is actually setting a more rigorous standard than the Times is for future media.
Opinion is different than news. Op-Ed columnists don't get the inside track on news that helps them make money and make money for others. Similarly, reporters stay off the opinion page. It's not just a matter of disclosing, the whole concept is against the policy of any reputable media organization (not that I'm of the opinion TechCrunch is, but that's what this is about).
The NYT doesn't let their reporters trade on companies they cover. Would it seem strange to you if a NYT reporter was hired to simultaneously manage a venture fund to invest in companies that are on his beat?