NBC News’ ‘checkbook journalism’ crossed ethical line
The Society of Professional Journalists’ Ethics Committee is appalled NBC News breached widely accepted ethical journalism guidelines by providing the plane that carried David Goldman and his son Sean back to the United States from Brazil after a high-profile custody battle.
NBC unethically paid for this interview
NBC conducted an exclusive interview with David Goldman during the flight it financed and another exclusive interview once the Goldmans returned to the United States.
Journalists know this practice as “checkbook journalism.”
The SPJ Code of Ethics urges journalists to act independently by avoiding bidding for news and by avoiding conflicts of interest.
By making itself part of a breaking news story on which it was reporting — apparently to cash in on the exclusivity assured by its expensive gesture — NBC jeopardized its journalistic independence and credibility in its initial and subsequent reports. In effect, the network branded the story as its own, creating a corporate and promotional interest in the way the story unfolds. NBC’s ability to report the story fairly has been compromised by its financial involvement.
Read More: SPJ News
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How low can NBC go????? First they LIE about the news now they are buying it. Just like Reed and the Liberal Senate !!
NBC crossed the line about a year ago and has stomped and blurred several lines of truth, honesty, and fairness. They, and several others, are biased for Obama's, and other liberal liars, personal use, and have shown in every contemptible way when they take their stance against those who stand up for truth, faith, family, honesty, and in opposition to everything Obama stands for.