NYT tech columnist Pogue violates ethics policy

The NYTPicker.com site notes that New York Times tech gadget columnist David Pogue violated the paper’s ethics statement when he spoke last week at the Consumer Electronics Association’s “CEO Summit” last week.

NYTPicker reports, “The NYTPicker asked Mathis if the NYT planned to ask Pogue to return the CEA speaking fee and travel reimbursement.

“‘We have no authority to do so.’ Mathis replied via email. ‘While we could deny him future assignments, we have no plans to do so.’

“Reached last night, Pogue defended his appearance at the CEA to The NYTPicker, though he acknowledged in an email that as a result of his Friday faux-pas, he has agreed to get NYT approval before accepting future speaking gigs.

“Here is Pogue’s statement, in full:

“Well, the Times ethics book says you can’t accept speaking fees unless it’s for ‘educational or other nonprofit groups for which lobbying and political activity are not a major focus.’

“The group for whom I spoke, the CEA, is indeed a nonprofit, educational organization. But is lobbying a ‘major focus?’

“Less than 5 percent of its staff and resources has to do with lobbying (they have 3 lobbyists on staff among 150 employees). Meanwhile, 90 percent of the CEA’s staff and budget are dedicated to research, education and, of course, the gigantic Consumer Electronics Show.

“Nonetheless, I’ve agreed to run future speaking requests by my editors before accepting them.”

Read more here.