journalists for their body of work

September 19th, 2006 | The Miami Herald
by Frank Calzon

``Off with their heads . . . Sentence first, verdict afterward.''

--The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland.

I should know better than to argue with people who, as they say, buy their ink by the barrel. But the issue of whether it's ethical for journalists employed by mainstream American newspapers, magazines, television or radio to also write or broadcast for TV and Radio Martí or any other Voice of America program is too important to leave to just two publications. In my view, The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald fell short of their own standards of fairness when they fired two staff writers, alleging that the writers hadn't informed their editors, and then tried to sully the
reputations of freelance writers.

Independent journalists ought to be judged on their body of work, not on who's signing their paychecks. None of the writers and broadcasters singled out were hypocritically providing news, commentary or lifestyle-features for TV and Radio Martí. Their work was consistent with what they were writing and broadcasting elsewhere. Consistency in serving the public interest is the standard that mainstream media has always used in covering news, commenting and taking editorial positions while depending on advertising to cover costs.

Uncensored news

Radio and TV Martí deliver uncensored news to people who could otherwise have little or no access to information. Radio Martí is required to follow the same standards as Voice of America; and like VOA, it has a professional staff of journalists and augments their reports and commentary with work from credible independent journalists employed in the private sector. And, just like Radio Free Europe once did, Martí is keeping the desire for freedom alive for millions enslaved under communism.

Beyond questioning freelancing, independent journalists help maintain the professional character, credibility and fairness of the Radio Martí broadcasts. No one dictates to these freelancers what to write or say. I think that's a good thing and a very American thing. Radio Martí is not Radio Havana, nor is it a version of Nazi Germany's or Stalinist Russia's propaganda machines. The Cuban audience is hearing authentic personal voices and perspectives about what is happening in all corners of the world.

If it has become professionally unethical in this country to oppose tyranny and to support freedom, then the First Amendment has been stood on its head.

It is simply false to suggest that ''real'' journalists turn into propaganda hacks if they write or broadcast for government-funded stations. The legendary John Chancellor once served as director of VOA. Well-known journalists from Scripps-Howard newspapers, Time magazine, The Chicago Tribune and
other mainstream media have or currently work with Radio and TV Martí. And they are paid for their work.

As to the Radio Martí work of freelancer Olga Connor, whose contract with El Nuevo Herald was voided: She was quoted in a Miami Herald story that listed her salary. Was her contract supposed to be exclusive? Did she think her new bosses knew about her government moonlighting? She has subsequently said her editors did know. Internationally syndicated columnist Carlos
Alberto Montaner, who writes from Spain, was also singled out. How do these journalists reclaim their good names and credibility?

Castro standards

Of course, the article got the attention of Fidel Castro. His standard is simple: Anyone who writes truthfully about Cuba is a mercenary, a propagandist ''in the pay'' of Washington, a terrorist or a spy. If you are an independent journalist in Cuba, you're likely to be arrested and imprisoned for violating Law 88. Naturally the Cuban-government news media picked up the initial Miami Herald story and has embellished it. Worldwide, Castro's supporters have had a field day.

I believe the editors of The Miami Herald when they declare there are inviolate firewalls between news, opinion and advertising and that they can recommend the election of a candidate on the editorial page while fairly reporting on his or her campaign and selling him or her advertising space.

I believe because Miami Herald reporters and editors are people with integrity. They would not sell their principles for a government paycheck. Mainstream media and freelance journalists who accurately report, write and provide fair commentary for TV and Radio Martí deserve the same respect.

Frank Calzon is Executive Director of the Center for a Free Cuba, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., that promotes human rights and democracy for Cuba.