According to the New York Times, "Newsweek since 2007 has sold advertising packages to the oil industry's biggest influence group that included the right to co-host forums on energy issues, including two where members of Congress sat side-by-side on panels with the association's president. American Petroleum Institute (API) ranks among advertisers that have reached a spending threshold that allows them to attach their name to a Newsweek event and have their top executive as a panel speaker."
Newsweek claims that holding these events is ethical because industry sponsors have no control over who is invited, what questions will be asked, nor API has no connection to the newsroom. Plus outside media are invited to attend and everything is recorded.
However journalism ethics experts beg to differ. And I agree. Advertising in papers should never interfere with any additional favors since that is just wrong. Though Newsweek claims that buying ads, and then holding these conferences don't control editorial. I think it is unethical for Newsweek to use its highly regarded reputation - promote companies with their key executives and give them VIP access to other opportunities which will further promote API's reputation. This issue goes beyond Newsweek since other outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Atlantic Media also accept corporate funding.
What are your thoughts?
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