The New York TImes moved Thursday to end the practice of quote approval in its journalism. The Times' executive editor, Jill Abramson, said the practice was tilting the field in favour of newsmakers.
While a ban might cost the Times access and stories, Abramson said the result will be a position in which the journalist is not a supplicant.
Earlier this month the Times revealed the extent of the practice. Other journalists and organizations since stepped forward to acknowledge they submitted to the approval of quotes in order to ensure a steady supply of sources who felt comfortable with how they were portrayed.
Abramson, in her note to staff, leaves open the door for exceptions. But they now must be dealt with by senior managers and not by the reporters. The new public editor, Margaret Sullivan, earlier called for a clearer policy at the Times on the matter, and Thursday she broke the news of the shift.
While a ban might cost the Times access and stories, Abramson said the result will be a position in which the journalist is not a supplicant.
Earlier this month the Times revealed the extent of the practice. Other journalists and organizations since stepped forward to acknowledge they submitted to the approval of quotes in order to ensure a steady supply of sources who felt comfortable with how they were portrayed.
Abramson, in her note to staff, leaves open the door for exceptions. But they now must be dealt with by senior managers and not by the reporters. The new public editor, Margaret Sullivan, earlier called for a clearer policy at the Times on the matter, and Thursday she broke the news of the shift.
