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Comment: The relationship between news and underwriters
Marketplace's policy, when an underwriter is the subject of a news report, has been to acknowledge that relationship on-air. We are reconsidering the policy, for this reason: There is no communication between Marketplace's underwriters and Marketplace's newsroom. There is no opportunity for an underwriter to try to influence news reports; a story involving an underwriter is reported in the same way as any other story. And credits throughout each show already identify Marketplace's sponsors that day.
Not everyone agrees. This week several listeners complained when Marketplace aired a report on genetically-modified crops and did not include an acknowledgment that Monsanto, the leading manufacturer of genetically-modified seeds, is an underwriter (A credit identifying Monsanto as a sponsor that day did air during the show).
So we'd like to ask you, as people who rely on Marketplace for news about business and the economy: What do you think? Are these acknowledgments useful? Are they necessary? Or do listeners understand, and are they comfortable with, the "wall" that stands between the business side of news organizations and their newsrooms? Newspapers, for example, rarely acknowledge advertising relationships when they report on an advertiser.
Marketplace, like most public radio programs, has many underwriters. So this question starts with a report involving Monsanto, but applies to a wide range of businesses. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Update: If the subject of a report is an underwriter of our show, we will mention it on air and on our website.
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Marketplace is a fantastic show (love Kai Ryssdal and Tess Vigeland)!! Though we are semi-retired and have never 'gambled' with stocks (the house is always the only winner in gambling don'tcha know) we love to learn and listen to the timely, informative, educational and at times humorous segments. But we do feel that when the underwriter is the subject of a news report, it has to be acknowledged. There's enough under-the-sheets reporting everywhere else, please continue to set your standards above the fray. Alan and Rachelle Frazier Dovestring Ranch Conifer, CO 80433
Marketplace is an outstanding show. I don't believe it has anything to do with being public radio, it is outstanding because of the the people behind the show. With that said, I do not hold it to a higher standard, it is what it is. I do expect the management team to do what it takes to provide excellence in programing. if, not I pull another itunes feed. If Marketplace needs sponsors like Monsanto to bring us Bill's minute and other favorites, then so be it. Disclosure is a judgment call. Fact is disclosure only is as good as the team that make the decision to disclose. Such good judgment by the marketplace team comes through in everything they publish... including opening up this conversation to 'we the loyal listeners'
It is a good point that other news media do not necessarily inform the listener/reader about C.O.I., so they should be held accountable too. But, I (and many others) listen to public radio expecting reporting of a higher caliber than the "other news." Of course you should inform us, the listener, about potential conflicts of interest.
I’m adding my two bits late in the week - been busy making sure that the productivity number stays up there. It certainly looks like you got answers to your questions, and I am looking forward to hear how you address these responses on air.
I do want to add that I am concerned that you felt like you needed to ask these questions in the first place. Market Place is a good and trustworthy news source, and I get a clear impression that you and your colleagues are proud of what you do. Don’t drop your standards just because most others have done so already.
Yes, the acknowledgment is 100% critical to the credibility and integrity of your program.
That said, I stopped listening to Marketplace years ago when I first heard Monsanto being acknowledged as an underwriter. Marketplace had been one of the highlights of my day, but the sickening acceptance of such an anti-human underwriter was just nauseating and unacceptable. If you ever get rid of Monsanto as an underwriter, I will cheerfully and eagerly start listening again.
Shame on you three-fold:
1. Shame on you for airing a news piece about GE crops and NOT naming the only obvious company in the industry: Monsanto.
2. Shame on you for not airing an impartial dialog on the reprehensible damage GE Ag. causes.
3. Shame on you for even having to ask if we wish you to disclose sponsorship and potential C.O.I.. (conflicts of interest)
Unfortunately, I have seen, and come to expect, some bias in reporting from news magazine shows on television networks owned by large conglomerates like NBC-Universal and ABC-cap cities (Disney). But even they do note when there's a relationship between the network and subject of a news story. I expect unbiased reporting from NPR and from Marketplace, even when your funding comes from sponsors I do not like. By all means, keep accepting money from Monsanto and other morally repugnant companies, as long you disclose it and maintain a Chinese wall between your reporting and accounting departments.
Yes, please keep the acknowledgements.
It's frustrating to be listening to a story on NPR that displays a movie, product, or company in a favorable light without knowing it's a sponsor. When I later find out that it's a sponsor I automatically become skeptical of the story. Even though the reality might be that there is no influence there, it just seems to give the appearance of impropriety.
Please keep Marketplace the most wonderful program on radio and continue to acknowledge underwriters.
I find it incredibly difficult to stomach that Monsanto gets to rub shoulders with a name like American Public Radio and Marketplace, who before, I always felt to be upstanding institutions. Monsanto looks better for it, but I will seriously reconsider ever donating MY hard-earned dollars to support these programs again. SHAME ON YOU, American Public Radio and Marketplace!
Yes - keep the disclaimers for all of the reasons others have already stated. Also - I remember when NPR and PBS simply listed their sponsors - didn't give them what are - in effect - commercials. That also takes away credibility in my eyes - especially considering what some of them are saying about themselves! I consider that a much more serious issue then a disclaimer in the middle of the program.
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