Posted on 12/29/2009 3:49:59 PM PST by Mad Dawgg
NBC’s interview with David Goldman has drawn a scathing review from the Society of Professional Journalists’ Ethics Committee.
The panel says it’s “appalled” because NBC News chartered a plane for Goldman and his son, Sean, to fly from Brazil to the United States. They were reunited after a five-year custody battle, and they arrived in Orlando on Christmas Eve. In paying for the plane, NBC News engaged in “checkbook journalism,” the Ethics Committee says.
The journalists’ group has a code of ethics that urges reporters to refrain from bidding for news.
“The public could rightly assume that NBC News bought exclusive interviews and images, as well as the family’s loyalty, with an extravagant gift,” Ethics Committee Chairman Andy Schotz said.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.orlandosentinel.com ...
Why is the normal person not entitled to profit from his story?
Some people just ask to be put in touch with the Kerry campaign instead of cash :)
I really do NOT care about who wrote the check to pay the gas bill to pick up the boy...GET OVER IT!
NOW, if the father wants to play with NBC who gives a rat's ass?
This is complete and total BS. NBC was the ONLY network to give this man, this man who fought for his kid unsuccessfully for four years, the kind of coverage and attention he needed to get his kid back. Under normal circumstances I absolutely question the journalistic ethics of NBC and practically every other media outlet. But NBC got it right this time. They shed much needed light on an issue that needed more attention. This was larger than David Goldman and, on behalf of other left behind parents, I thank them for that. I also thank David Goldman for taking this opportunity to keep the plight of left behind parents in the media while he has the opportunity to do so. The way this man has handled this entire situation is to be admired. We should all possess the grace and sincerity that he has shown.
And this charter plane nonsense is just that...nonsense. NBC chartered a plane to bring it’s crew home from Brazil on Christmas Eve. They offered to also transport David and his son home, since they ALREADY HAD THE PLANE. Further, I believe NBC, having witnessed the Brazilian family’s total lack of respect for laws and basic decency, recognized that it was dangerous for David and Sean Goldman to have to wait around for a commercial flight in Brazil. They needed to get out of Brazil and they needed to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Further, for this “ethics” committee to completely ignore the obvious and laughable political bias that these networks show on a regular basis yet pick on a situation that actually contributed positively to a man and his son, not to mention many more in their situation, is absolutely disgusting.
Really? Isn't that an oxymoron?
NBC is ‘paying’ to get a story? Where is the novelty in that? Haven’t they been doing that in some form or fashion for years?
You’re making too much sense and I agree with you on every point. I have no love for NBC, but I don’t see how they are at fault here of anything but common sense.
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