The New York Times

Hey folks,

I have an honest question. Why does ANYONE read this paper? OK, I know, I already know the answer. The Left read it because it is their paper. Custom written for them. The NYT furthers the liberal agenda like noone else. The Right read it because, let’s face it, it is an easy example of the liberal media.

What I love about it, is they, the NYT themselves, truly want all of us to believe they are a non-bias, independent news outlet. They make sure that they tell their employee’s what they expect. You are going to love this. Taken directly from their "ethics" rules and regulations.

And second, no one may do anything that damages our news staffs' reputation for strict neutrality in reporting on politics and government; in particular, no one may wear campaign buttons or display any other form of political partisanship while on the job.

And on "Voting, Campaigns and Public Issues"

89. Journalists do not take part in politics. While staff members are entitled to vote and to register in party primaries, they must do nothing that might raise questions about their professional neutrality or that of our news operations. In particular, they may not campaign for, demonstrate for, or endorse candidates, ballot causes or efforts to enact legislation. They may not wear campaign buttons or themselves display any other insignia of partisan politics.

90. Staff members may not themselves give money to any political candidate or election cause or raise money for one. Given the ease of Internet access to public records of campaign contributions, any political giving by a staff member would risk feeding a false impression that we are taking sides.

91. No staff member may seek public office anywhere. Seeking or serving in public office violates the professional detachment expected of a journalist. Active participation by one of our staff can sow a suspicion of favoritism in political coverage.

92. Staff members may not march or rally in support of public causes or movements or sign advertisements or petitions taking a position on public issues. They may not lend their names to campaigns, benefit dinners or similar events if doing so might reasonably raise doubts about their ability or their newsroom's ability to remain neutral in covering the news. Neighbors and other outsiders commonly see us as representatives of our institution.

93. Staff members may appear from time to time on local or national radio and television programs devoted to public affairs, but they should avoid expressing views that go beyond the news and analysis that could properly appear under their regular bylines. Op-Ed columnists and editorial writers enjoy more leeway than others in speaking publicly, because their business is expressing opinions. They should nevertheless choose carefully the forums in which they appear and protect the impartiality of our journalism.

94. A staff member with doubts about a proposed political activity should consult a responsible manager. These guidelines protect the heart of our mission as journalists. Where the conflict with our impartiality seems minimal, top news executives may consider matters case by case, but they should be exceedingly cautious before permitting an exception.

Should be interesting to see if they follow this ethics policy, especially since there is only 174 days to go until election time.

Now I was going to dissect this paragraph by paragraph to point out the hypocrisies of them violating their own ethics policy on a daily bases. But, it is pretty self explanatory. If you do not believe me this is real, or you think I’m making this up, check it out.

http://www.nytco.com/company-journalism-ethics.html

Then my other problem with the NYT is the simplest of all journalism number one rule. Seek out, uncover, and report, TRUTH. This is something that they fail to do often. Just check out their "Correction" section. Either in print or on line. Just today alone on line there are seven corrections. One I love. The error also occurred in three previous articles going back to 1989.

Does not reporting the facts, mean you research and make sure that what you are reporting ARE the facts? I’m not just talking about mis-spelling a name. There has been story after story recently that have been proven COMPLETELY false. Made up even.

I have no problem with tabloids. They do not pretend to be something they are not. Even THEY get something right from time to time. But they claim to be, and are, entertainment. They do not pretend to be hard core mainstream impartial news. If the NYT just began to be honest, saying we are a vehicle to further the liberal agenda, a voice of those on the fringe, and a politically motivated information source, I would have no problem with them either. Although, they may still want to check some facts.
Peter