Fair, foul or fuss?

Short version of the story: Bergen Record statehouse reporter has been asking the governor about the coronavirus rules that regulate indoor seating at restaurants. His stories do not include any disclaimers about his wife owning a local restaurant that he occasionally works at. Rival publication argues that this is a breach of ethics since the shutdown of indoor seating is hurting the reporter's bank account.

Fair? Foul? Or is the New Jersey Globe just fussin'?

Gannett reporter faces ethics questions after repeated asks of N.J. governor about indoor dining - New Jersey Globe

 

Totally fair to question this. Textbook conflict of interest.

 

There is a conflict of interest, but I think it's also a topic that a lot of people are probably interested in. Some disclosure is probably warranted at some point along the way, but if the questions aren't out of line and serve a wider interest then it doesn't rise to the level of a scandal, to me at least.

 

"None of Racioppi’s questions were out of line or off topic. From any other reporter, it would clearly have gone unnoticed."

 

Some other reporter should be asking those questions.

 

Not an ideal situation. It would be better if someone else would be asking.

At the same time indoor dining is absolutely one of the biggest issues anywhere this is an outbreak so someone needs to ask.

 

If that’s the only 3 questions that were asked we’re worried about the wrong things.

Should a reporter have to declare how many family members have a lot of school debt before asking questions about school debt forgiveness? Or whether reporters have children when they ask questions about kids going back to school?

 

Questionable.

 

Also, a dumb way to call attention to yourself as the Record (which is a very good paper) and Gannett continue layoffs.

Sad news from Gannett: layoffs of New Jersey reporters, staff coming today - New Jersey Globe