Journalism And Politics

IV hen Mortimer
Zuckerman, the media
mogul, took over the
presidency of the
Conference of Presidents of Major
American Jewish Organizations on
June 1, it created an immense conflict
of interest that will both undermine
the credibility of the Conference and
Zuckerman's publications.
Zuckerman, who is publisher of
the New York Daily News and U.S.
News and World Report, has been
elected the Conference's president
despite dissent from some sectors in
the organization.
Those protesting raised a number
of important issues: The Conference
forbids its leaders from expressing per-
sonal political views on issues of inter-
est to the organization and they also
have cited that Zuckerman really has
not been involved in Jewish organiza-
tional politics.
A few voices raised the most
important issue of all: How can a man
who heads major media institutions
become the president of an organiza-
tion that not only articulates views on
many newsworthy issues, but also lob-
bies Washington on legislation imps, r-
tant to the Conference?
The answer, of course, is that a
dual role is an inherent conflict of
interest, which will harm the
Conference and undermine the credi-
bility of Zuckerman's publications.
Consider:
• Zuckerman now writes a regular
•colurrin on political issues and any
future comments about the Middle
East will be suspect, even if
Zuckerman held the same views
before assuming the Conference presi-
dency.
• What if the Conference becomes
the subject of a major news story —
let's say a scandal — how will
Zuckerman publications cover such an
event? Will they give the story front-
page coverage — if it deserves such
exposure — or will they "bury" the
piece, given Zuckerman's involve-
ment?
• How will a reporter working fol.
the New York Daily News or US.
News and World Report approach "the
boss" for comment on critical or con-
troversial items concerning the

Bed Falbaum, a former political
reporter and a West Bloomfield public
relations executive and author, teaches
journalism part time at Wayne State
University.

BERL

FALBAUM
Community
Views

How Impartial?

Conference?
• Will
reporters working
for the two publi-
cations even be
willing to cover
the Conference in
Washington,
knowing that a
critical story may
have career-
breaking implica-
tions?

In interviews, Zuckerman has tried to
assure critics that his reporters "won't
get any instructions from me to be
inhibited when interviewing" him as
head of the conference. But reporters
do not need any instructions. Any
reporter interviewing the boss will
have misgivings about how critical
they can be. That's only human, all
assurances from Zuckerman notwith-
standing.
If such a situation arose, reporters
will make "concessions" to the boss; it
is impossible for them to be totally

"objective," as journalism principles
require.
Nor can Zuckerman remain objec-
tive in his columns. There will be
times — and he can protest all he
wants — when his political views on
Israel, vouchers, church and state
issues and other sensitive issues, where
he will compromise, knowing that
stating his "honest" opinions will cre-
ate problems for the Conference or for
his presidency. That is simply
unavoidable.
Further, and perhaps most impor-
tant, Zuckerman's presidency creates a
perception of a conflict. Even if he has
not compromised his personal views,
and even if his publications have
"given their all," suspicions will always
exist that some accommodation has
been made.
Frankly, Zuckerman, a sophisticated
man who certainly understands the
implications of the dual role, must rec-
ognize that his publications will become
suspect in the coverage of issues of
importance to the conference.
Thus, it is puzzling why he would
put their credibility in danger in
exchange for the prestige of the con-

ference. Ego should only go so far.

How Valuable?

The Conference also must recognize
that any value on favorable news
coverage from either of these two
publications will have little, if any,
value. Such coverage, sometimes
used for marketing and lobbying,
will be useless from either of these
two major publications because deci-
sion-makers will "expect" these
media outlets to be in support of
Conference policies.
The response given by Zuckerman
to the journalistic conflict of interest is
the same one given by public office
holders who are caught receiving
favors from special interests.
Of course, an appropriate test of
whether a conflict exists would be for
Zuckerman to assign one of his
reporters to write a story on his dual
role for the New York Daily News or
U.S. News and World Report. Or better
yet, either or both might publish an
editorial criticizing his election.
Somehow, we can conclude, that
ain't going to happen. ❑

What Israel Means To Me...

Debra B. Darvick
Writer

Thirty years ago this summer I traveled to Israel on a

seven-week teen tour. The journey set the course of

my life. Israel begat Hebrew study which begat Torah

study and eventually observance of Shabbat. Israel

begat children who attended Jewish day school

which led to our Sukkah and celebration of the entire

calendar of holidays. Israel begat my learning to chant

Torah and ultimately a writing career devoted to the

ON
A■
AI IMO

examination of Jewish life. Israel means nothing less

A message brought to you by the

to me than my existence as Jewish woman, wife and

American Jewish Committee

mother committed to our heritage, dedicated to rais-

ing the next generation of Jews.

Metropolitan Detroit Chapter

In Celebration of Israel

Visit our Website www.ajc.org
For Membership Information,
call (248) 646-7686

6/8

2001

37

