(SF)Chron bans (married) female journalists from same-sex marriage story

[Newsjock]

Truncated title to fit subject length
http://www.stanford.edu/group/gradethenews/pages2/marriage.htm

Grade the News Editor's note: The following is a memo from Phil Bronstein, executive editor at the San Francisco Chronicle to the staff
Posted March 15. 2004

From: Bronstein, Phil
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 4:20 PM
To: NewsroomDL
Subject: note

In the last few days, we have had numerous lengthy meetings and discussions about a conflict of interest issue surrounding the same sex marriage story. Specifically, the question was whether Rachel Gordon and Liz Mangelsdorf, having been married a few days ago, should continue to cover the same-sex marriage story in light of questions readers could - and do - ask about the newspaper’s objectivity and integrity.

... The process was difficult - painful at times - as we maneuvered through new territory: same-sex marriage as a major news story and potential conflicts it could cause. Strong feelings were expressed, though in the most professional and appropriate way. The nearly four hours of conversations with Rachel and Liz themselves have been intense but extremely respectful all around. Everyone involved, however strong their opinions, expressed concerns for the newspaper and its integrity.

All of the discussion and debate, including informal talk around the office, would make a valuable seminar at any journalism institute because it has been so wide-ranging and because it involves both well-charted and new ground.

The majority of editors involved in the story, and in the discussions, were in agreement on one aspect: that Chronicle journalists directly and personally involved in a major news story - one in whose outcome they also have a personal stake - should not also cover that story.

more

So, I guess this means that black people can't cover civil-rights stories. Latinos can't cover immigration issues. As an openly gay journalist, I dread the day that I will be unable to pursue my craft in the United States.

[chiburb]

1. Funny...

Because at least here (Chicago), most tv news orgs send a black reporter to cover the latest gang shooting, or a Latino to cover...

You get the idea. I agree with you that the Chron's got this one wrong...

(on edit: though I CAN see both sides of this...)