Jeez, the W. Post is selling access to reporters, editors and Obama biggies: $25K to $250K ‘Salon’ ‘sponsorships’
Going once, going twice. Sold! Access to Washington Post reporters, editors and Obama biggies for prices ranging from $25K to $250K!
The “going once, going twice” is my little embellishment, but as reported in The Politico, the rest is true, with health care lobbyists being among the first targets of the new deal. At least it’s out in the open. From the Politico:
"Underwriting Opportunity: An evening with the right people can alter the debate," says the one-page flier. "Underwrite and participate in this intimate and exclusive Washington Post Salon, an off-the-record dinner and discussion at the home of CEO and Publisher Katharine Weymouth. … Bring your organization’s CEO or executive director literally to the table. Interact with key Obama administration and congressional leaders …
“Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No. The relaxed setting in the home of Katharine Weymouth assures it. What is guaranteed is a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds typically on the guest list of 20 or less. …
“Offered at $25,000 per sponsor, per Salon. Maximum of two sponsors per Salon. Underwriters’ CEO or Executive Director participates in the discussion. Underwriters appreciatively acknowledged in printed invitations and at the dinner. Annual series sponsorship of 11 Salons offered at $250,000 … Hosts and Discussion Leaders … Health-care reporting and editorial staff members of The Washington Post … An exclusive opportunity to participate in the health-care reform debate among the select few who will actually get it done. … A Washington Post Salon … July 21, 2009 6:30 p.m."
Optimists can take heart in some Posties’ belief that marketing jumped the gun and is “ahead” of editorial.
In The Solomon Scandals, I wrote about a newspaper that sells out to a local real estate tycoon, though I hadn’t any publication in mind. As a fan of the Post, I wish it wouldn’t try so hard be my Telegram.
Meanwhile, next time the Post criticizes the credibility of new media, there may be talk of pots and kettles and calling things black. I’m rooting for the Post to cancel the Salons. Come on guys, you’re better than that.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
No, they’re not. The Post is just as desperate as everyone else to stay relevant and solvent. This move, telling as it is, doesn’t surprise me in the least, except in its openness… they’ve brought the venerable backroom dealings onto the front porch, and they’re serving caviar on ivory trays. Amazing.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Well, Steve, actually I’ve seen much worse than the Post. I just wonder if any heads will roll. And just why is it that anyone on the biz side felt confident enough to put out word about the “Salon” program without any vetting by the news side (at least according to the Post). What does that say about the balance of power? So, while I think the Post is one of the better papers, yes, it has a lot of answering to do to its readers.
David