As noted in this January 29 blog, Denver Post editor Greg Moore isn't wild about the idea of his employees participating in caucuses set for February 5, but he's given some staffers permission to join in, while restricting others from doing so. At the Rocky Mountain News, the message is much simpler: no caucusing allowed.
Below, find the January 29 memo Rocky editor/publisher/president John Temple (pictured) sent to his crew:
Folks,
This is a reminder about our policy on political activity.
POLITICAL ACTIVITY
Journalists and others working in newsrooms must abide by a more restrictive standard (than non-journalist employees), given the disinterested neutrality from which news organizations must work. They must not serve in elected or politically appointed positions. They must not participate in political fund-raising, political organizing, nor other activities designed to enhance a candidate, a political party or a political-interest organization. They must not make contributions of record to political campaigns nor engage in other such activity that might associate an employer's name with a political candidate or a political cause.
Because caucuses are party activities that involve expressing your political position in public, you should not attend them, unless you’re covering them for the Rocky.
I would be happy to discuss.
John
Sounds like his vote is the only one that counts on this subject. -- Michael Roberts
