William T. “Bill” Bisson Jr., former publisher of Crain’s publication Pensions & Investments, died Jan. 17 at the age of 70.
A story on the publication’s website states, “That defense of editorial integrity often was directed at his staff, as well.
“‘My favorite Bisson story is about that separation’ of advertising and editorial departments, former editor Nancy K. Webman said in an email. ‘A P&I reporter in the Chicago office went … to hail a cab to attend a financial analysts’ lunch. (He) noticed a P&Iad salesman was also trying to get a cab. They spoke and found out they were going to the same luncheon, so they shared a cab, but sat at different tables during the event.
“‘Bisson somehow found out about the cab ride and they, I and who knows who else got yelled at for violating the Chinese wall rule. Bill would do virtually anything to maintain the journalistic integrity of Pensions & Investments.’
“Ms. Webman added: ‘Never had I had a publisher who so vigorously and rigorously tried to ensure that there was a Chinese wall.'”
Read more here.
