Categories: OLD Media Moves

Writer alleges former CEO paid her for articles

I have hesitated in posting anything about this because I don’t think that any business journalist would ever accept money from an executive. But I guess you never say never.

Reports from the Associated Press on Thursday and the New York Times on Friday state that a writer for the Birmingham Times, a black newspaper, was paid money to write articles favorable to former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy during his trial last year. The writer also states that she showed some of her stories to Scrushy before they were published.

Scrushy’s attorney denied any wrongdoing, and the publisher of the paper said he had no knowledge that the writer, who is not a full-time staff member, was receiving money for the articles.

The Times story can be read here.

This should go without saying: As a business journalist, you should never accept money from someone you are writing about. It is a firing offense at every media outlet that I know.

Recent Posts

Crain’s Chicago seeks an AME of news

Crain's Chicago Business is a leading source of news, analysis, and information on the business,…

2 hours ago

FT’s Agenda hires Sandler as associate editor

Emma Sandler has been hired as associate editor at Agenda, a publication under the FT…

6 hours ago

Claman of Fox Biz inducted into Cable Hall of Fame

Cablefax Daily interviewed Fox Business Network anchor Liz Claman on her induction into the Cable Hall…

8 hours ago

BBC News hires Edwards as money, work and tech reporter

BBC News has hired Charlotte Edwards as a reporter covering money, work and technology. She previously was…

9 hours ago

Maher named Reuters deputy breaking news editor for Middle East

Reuters has promoted Hatem Maher to deputy breaking news editor for the Middle East. Maher has been…

10 hours ago

Financial Post hires Cousins as a senior editor

Canada's Financial Post has hired Ben Cousins as a senior editor. He has been working as a…

10 hours ago