Healy appeared on Beck, despite NY Times' ethics policy

On February 14, New York Times reporter Patrick Healy appeared on the CNN Headline News program Glenn Beck, as previously documented by Media Matters for America -- despite a "guideline" set out in the Times ethics handbook, which states: "Staff members should avoid strident, theatrical forums that emphasize punditry and reckless opinion-mongering." Media Matters has documented a host of "strident" and "reckless" "opinion-mongering" comments on Glenn Beck, as well as inflammatory and controversial comments by the regular host of the program, Glenn Beck, on his CNN Headline News show, his syndicated radio show, and elsewhere.

While Healy was interviewed by guest host Michael Smerconish on the February 14 program, Smerconish also has a history of inflammatory comments, which Media Matters has noted.

From the Times' "Ethical Journalism: A Handbook of Values and Practices for the News and Editorial Departments":

101. Staff members may participate in radio, television or Internet interviews or discussions, paid or unpaid, that deal with articles they have written or subjects that figure in the coverage they provide, edit, package or supervise. Such occasional appearances must not imply that they carry the sponsorship or endorsement of The Times (unless they do). Staff members should be careful about the use of their names and that of the newspaper in materials promoting the appearances. As a courtesy, they should let their department head know about their plans to appear.

102. In deciding whether to make a radio, television or Internet appearance, a staff member should consider its probable tone and content to make sure they are consistent with Times standards. Staff members should avoid strident, theatrical forums that emphasize punditry and reckless opinion-mongering. Instead, we should offer thoughtful and retrospective analysis. Generally a staff member should not say anything on radio, television or the Internet that could not appear under his or her byline in The Times.

—R.D.