http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-935490.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists discuss whether those who work for news organizations should be allowed to donate money to political campaigns.
MSNBC's Keith Olbermann was suspended by the network after it was discovered he donated to the campaigns of some Democratic politicians. While Olbermann is clearly a partisan commentator rather than a reporter, MSNBC felt he had crossed a line.
The Shop Talk panelists feel the network was correct in its actions if Olbermann's contract clearly prohibits him from making such donations. On the other hand, the network should establish some tighter guidelines for his show and others if it truly wants to establish a sense of objectivity. The same could be said for Fox.
Ted Koppel offered some thought provoking comments on the issue in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.