Bloomberg editorial effort presents conflict-of-interest questions

Jeremy Peters of the New York Times writes Thursday about the new editorial and commentary effort at Bloomberg called Bloomberg View and how it might affect New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Peters writes, “The effort presents a host of conflict-of-interest questions for the mayor. The new venture provides the mayor with yet another potent communications apparatus — one that carries his name and imprimatur — to sound off on issues that collide with his job as mayor, his corporate interests and his expanding philanthropic empire.

“Bloomberg L.P. executives said they would not shy away from publishing editorials on issues in which Mr. Bloomberg has a direct interest as mayor, like education, public health and environmental policy. Mr. Winkler said the editorials would not avoid such issues but would disclose the mayor’s involvement when warranted.

“Though Mr. Bloomberg will not have a hand in conceiving and writing the editorials, he is likely to offer feedback from time to time before they are published, Mr. Winkler said.

“‘I think that there’s a very good chance that’s going to happen,’ he said, referring to Mr. Bloomberg’s occasional involvement. It is unclear whether that level of involvement is permitted under his agreement with the city to remain at arm’s length from the company.”

Read more here.