The Washington Post's publisher apologized to readers Sunday for a plan to charge business leaders and lobbyists for intimate dinner discussions with government officials and the newspaper's journalists.
A flier surfaced last week promoting a plan to charge $25,000 to sponsor one of a series of dinner parties that would include off-the-record conversations with Post journalists and access to Washington insiders. The series was canceled Thursday.
"I want to apologize for a planned new venture that went off track and for any cause we may have given you to doubt our independence and integrity," Publisher and Chief Executive Officer Katharine Weymouth said in a letter that appeared in the newspaper's Op-Ed section Sunday.
Ms. Weymouth said the flier wasn't approved by her or the paper's editors and that it didn't accurately describe the plan for the small gatherings.
The flier advertised a "Washington Post salon" on health care reform at Ms. Weymouth's home on July 21. The gathering would have included 20 or fewer guests, including Obama administration officials, members of Congress, business leaders and lobbyists.
According to the flier, each of 11 salons would have one or two sponsors who would pay $25,000 to underwrite the event and invite guests.
The flier said participants were offered a chance to "build crucial relationships with Washington Post news executives in a neutral and informal setting." It called the health care salon an "off-the-record conversation."
Ms. Weymouth's letter said the paper was planning dinners but including "firm parameters" that gave sponsors no control over content and no special access to its journalists. Reporters wouldn't be restricted from asking questions, she said.
"If the events were to be sponsored by other companies, everything would be at arm's length," she said in the letter.
Critics of the program say the newspaper's promise of exclusivity for Washington insiders is at odds with the newspaper's mission to its readers.
By Kara Rowland - The Washington Times
Obama was excoriated for continuing the Bush administration's strictest national security policies, including indefinite detention, military commissions and a "targeted kill" program that authorizes the government to take out suspected terrorists anywhere. Published 8:56 p.m. July 29, 2010
By Sean Lengell - The Washington Times
The House ethics committee officially lodged charges against Rep. Charles B. Rangel, including that he used his office to raise $8 million for a college public policy center named after him and didn't file taxes while he was Congress' chief tax writer. Published 8:56 p.m. July 29, 2010
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
A conservative satirist takes on the worlds of politics and entertainment in humorous pursuit of truth, justice, and all things America.
Join Matt on weekly adventures in all forms as he pushes his comfort levels in attempt to stimulate body, mind, and soul.
A slice of suburban family life from the diverse perspectives of a politically-minded mom.
Join the Evolution with Adam Omkara! Empowering, cutting edge mind/body/spirit and health dialogue.
