Local SPJ 'Endorses' Herald Firings
Writing rather shrilly that they are "profoundly disturbed" by reports of payments to reporters accepting money from Radio and TV Marti, the officers of the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists backed the Miami Herald's firings of three El Nuevo Herald reporters. The crux:
"Journalists in South Florida, and increasingly across the United States, come from countries with stronger traditions of ideological or advocacy journalism than we have in the United States. While we respect other forms of communication, the Society long ago resolved that professionalism requires journalists be autonomous from those in power, especially the government. Moreover, we believe that any ideological perspective taken by a media outlet must be stated openly so that its readers or viewers can better judge the veracity of the information offered."
That's the Society's way of saying: We know you're used to pathetic Banana Republic forms of "journalism," but here in America we have basic standards so you might as well get used to it. And I couldn't agree more.
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