PressEthic

Joe Maguire, an editor in charge of markets at Reuters, wrote a new book titled, “Brainless: The Lies and Lunacy of Ann Coulter.” According to an article printed in the New York Times on October 9, Maguire lost his job last Wednesday, the day after handing over the galleys of his book to his superiors at Reuters.

According to the article:

Reuters confirmed that Mr. Maguire was granted conditional approval to write his book on Ms. Coulter — a conservative lightning rod, author and TV talking head. When asked what changed once the book was ready, a company statement pointed to Reuters’ principles of “integrity, independence and freedom from bias.” The statement reads: “Our editorial policy and The Reuters Trust Principles are prominently displayed for all to see on www.about.reuters.com. Mr. Maguire’s book will soon be available. Both speak for themselves.”

Neither Reuters nor Maguire have claimed Maguire was fired, but the book has definitely caused controversy. Maguire was quoted saying, “There was a difference of opinion about the approval I received to write this book. I thought I had met the conditions, and proceeded accordingly. As a result, I no longer work there.”

Reporters commonly write op-ed columns or books while employed at a news outlet. Bernie Goldberg is an example. He published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal that sparked the controversy surrounding his positions on media bias. Noam Cohen, who wrote the Times article, leads the reader to believe Reuters fired Mr. Maguire for publishing the book. The last paragraph reads:

On Friday, the employee said, there was a meeting with Reuters management informing the workers there that Mr. Maguire would no longer be working there and that they “weren’t allowed to ask why.” Printed copies of the principles of trust were handed out, however.

Reuters’ trust principles focus on the organization’s position on bias and includes the following statement:

We do not take sides and attempt to reflect in our stories, pictures and video the views of all sides. We are not in the business of glorifying one side or another or of disseminating propaganda. Reuters journalists do not offer their own opinions or views.

The principles, however, do not specifically forbid reporters from publishing other articles or books. Was Maguire wrong? This story will inevitably get more attention as the media unfolds the details.