By: E&P Staff While the pro-Kerry concerts featuring Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and others have raised the issue in the East and Midwest, similar questions concerning journalists and concerts/fundraisers have popped up elsewhere during this election season.
They prompted John Temple, editor of the Rocky Mountain News, to pen a column on Saturday, following two staff forums during the week. The immediate cause was an upcoming concert featuring three ex-Eagles in support of the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in the state.
"We were concerned that some staff members might not notice the fund-raising aspect of the concert and would buy tickets for an event we didn't think they should attend," Temple wrote.
E&P reported recently that many editors in the East are also banning reporters from attending electoral fundraising concerts, although others, such as Doug Clifton, of the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, have not.
Earlier, the Rocky Mountain News' managing editor, Deb Goeken, had sent out a memo that read: "Since our long-standing policy precludes all newsroom employees from making political donations, none of us will be able to attend these concerts, or any others that occur this political season. The obvious exceptions are reporters, columnists and photographers covering the concerts, both as entertainment events and political stories."
In his column, Temple reviewed feedback from staffers: "Views were all over the map. The possible permutations of involvement were endless. What if my spouse makes the donation? What if I don't cover politics? What if I work behind the scenes at the Rocky? Why can't we buy a ticket to this concert when we can attend the concerts of other musicians who later donate some of the proceeds to a political cause or candidate? What about going to see something as partisan as 'Fahrenheit 9/11.'
"I feel very strongly about anything that might compromise the journalistic integrity of the Rocky, as do my colleagues, even if where we draw the line might be different.
"I believe we should err on the side of caution, that we should do everything we can to maintain and build your trust and should do nothing to damage it.
"My approach doesn't necessarily sit well with everyone here, especially those who believe the only issue is whether our work is fair and accurate, not whether our actions outside the newsroom raise questions in a reasonable person's mind about our ability to be fair and accurate. Outside activities don't matter; the quality of our work does, the proponents of this view argue.
" But I believe appearances matter. Journalists have to give up certain things for the sake of their job. Of course, normally they should be able to go to concerts or movies of their choosing. It's important for us to be curious and to be exposed to different ideas....
"Some questioned whether I wasn't asking them to sacrifice their constitutional rights. I think I'm asking them to uphold the standards of a calling I believe in. I know that whatever our disagreements, that is something important to everyone in this newsroom."
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