Published: March 01, 1997
Last Updated: May 26, 1999
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ASNE on the move

Compulsory disclosure of income

ASNE opposes compulsory disclosure of journalists’ income. During the convention, the board adopted a resolution that opposes requiring journalists to disclose sources of their income in order to obtain credentials for covering Congress. The resolution also speaks to the matter of outside income earned by journalists.

The board resolution stated: "The American Society of Newspaper Editors opposes any effort by government to compel or to require as a condition for covering the news the disclosure by journalists of either the source or the amount of compensation earned outside of their primary employment. The ASNE, however, discourages the acceptance by journalists of speaking or appearance fees or honoraria from non-journalistic organizations. The practice is detrimental to the credibility of the press, as an independent institution unbeholden to any special interest."