PressEthic

Did I misread the article's headline? Is it possible that it reads, "Magazine Editors Buck Marketers"?

Did Newsweek's editor (Mark Whitaker) actually say the following?:

"Trends in advertising are going to come and go. The one thing that's going to keep you in business is your relationship with your readers, and if you jeopardize that, then you jeopardize the franchise."

We've focused a lot in this class blog on how unethical the journalism business/profession seems and how advertising dollars are eroding the public trust in the profession (see here , here, and here ). While such efforts are undoubtedly well-intentioned, it's worthwhile to note when media outlets display true integrity like this action by the American Society of Magazine Editors to clearly delineate the line between content and advertising.

As the article notes, marketers continually want to "be a part of the story." If magazines -- and other media -- are to maintain the public's trust, they'll do just the opposite and defend the wall between church and state. It's certainly a positive sign that the ASME is looking like they take the responsibility seriously.