Ryan Chittum of Columbia Journalism Review takes issue with CNBC reporter Rick Santelli appearing on an investment program advertisement.
Chittum writes, “Now this is hardly the biggest deal, but Santelli’s appearance at the seminar and in its marketing raises some obvious questions, which I put to CNBC spokesman Brian Steel. If Santelli got paid for his appearance, for instance, that would be problematic, to say the least, since journalists shouldn’t take money from organizations involved in their areas of coverage.
“Steel told me CNBC policy prohibits its journalists from ‘accept(ing) appearance or speaking fees to participate in for profit seminars or conferences nor are they allowed to accept speaking or appearance fees to attend events sponsored by for profit companies or companies that engage in lobbying activities.’ He says Santelli wasn’t paid for his appearance.
“When asked if Santelli’s appearance was vetted by CNBC and if it approves of its reporters appearing at events like this, Steel said he doesn’t comment on internal discussions.”
Read more here. After Chittum contacted CNBC, the investor began removing Santelli from his Web site and marketing.
