The Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) is raising concerns over the continual attack on reliable and independent government data that business journalists depend on to accurately report on the economy. The latest blow comes with the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer.
On Aug. 1, the Trump administration cited, without any evidence, that the weak numbers in the most recent jobs report were the result of political meddling. McEntarfer’s subsequent firing leaves vulnerable not only the BLS but other government agencies that collect vital data. It also erodes the public’s trust.
We must guard against any actions that compromise access to fair and accurate information and journalists’ ability to report on it. Federal data from BLS, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and U.S. Census Bureau, are the bedrock of reporting on the economy. Without it, SABEW fears its members will not be positioned to best serve the public.
Please see our July 4th statement about the importance of accurate federal data.
