PressEthic

Well, it pains me to write about Katie Couric, but this blog ties into some of the class discussions we've had. The blog describes how CBS "Evening News" anchor Katie Couric mentioned in her blog that she was "nursing a cup of French vanilla Dunkin' Donuts coffee. And munchkins." As a result, the donut-chain sent over about 10 boxes of Munchkins and five large boxes of coffee for the "Evening News" staff, which were happily consumed. Over at Couric's blog, Couric & Co., some posters expressed outrage. For example,

A honorable journalist would have said thank you and turn[ed] the munchkins back," wrote rmichem. "The whole affair gives the impression of being paid off…I was under the impression that CBS had standard[s] for getting gifts." Added joycewest: "I agree with rmichem about the donuts. News blogs shouldn't use brand names or accept free goodies."

So what are the standards for accepting gifts at CBS?

"CBS News employees may not solicit, accept or agree to accept anything of value given or paid for the purpose of influencing the content of any CBS News broadcast."

Well, clearly, the very last part of that sentence is the key. "For the purpose of influencing the content of any CBS News broadcast." I guess you could make a good argument for and against Dunkin Donuts attempting to get positive coverage (in a way, they already have). So, does this cross the line? Should the news staff have rejected the gifts and sent them back? I personally do not see much of a problem here, but I could understand someone questioning the ethics of the situation.