Forbes staff says sources concerned about magazine ownership

Forbes journalists have told the publication’s management that some sources are refusing to share sensitive information with them due to their new reported ownership, reports Max Tani of Semafor.

Tani reports, “Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported that Magomed Musaev, a Russian business tycoon, was behind the purchase of Forbes from its current owner.

“The move alarmed the outlet’s editorial staff, which is engaged in contract negotiations with the business news publication. After Forbes sent an email to newsroom staff on Friday summarizing a recent meeting with the editorial union, multiple staffers replied to the note saying they have heard from sources who are deeply concerned about the new ownership. These journalists told Forbes that several of their sources expressed reservations about leaking information to them out of fear that their identities weren’t safe.

“‘Two people raised concerns with me this week about continuing to share sensitive information with us given Magomed Musaev’s recent statements about the company,’ reporter Emily Baker-White said in an email shared across the company. ‘These are just the ones who told me they’re wary about working with us. There are likely more.'”

Read more here.