Former NYT Editor’s Tell-All Exposes Forced Exit Over Cotton Op-Ed
James Bennet Exposes The New York Times in a Riveting Tell-All
In a scathing column published in The Economist, James Bennet, now a columnist at The Economist, reveals the shocking truth behind his departure from The New York Times, his former employer. Bennet’s 16,000-word exposé delves into the Times’ abandonment of traditional journalistic principles and its adoption of a new and “illiberal” news philosophy.
“The Times’s problem has metastasised from liberal bias to illiberal bias, from an inclination to favour one side of the national debate to an impulse to shut debate down altogether,” Bennet writes.
Bennet doesn’t hold back in his portrayal of A.G. Sulzberger, the Times’ publisher, and Dean Baquet, the former executive editor. He accuses them of sacrificing him instead of upholding the principles they once professed to believe in.
“Since Adolph Ochs bought the paper in 1896, one of the most inspiring things the Times has said about itself is that it does its work ‘without fear or favour.’ That is not true of the institution today,” Bennet asserts.
Bennet’s tenure at the Times came to an abrupt end in June 2020 after the publication of a controversial op-ed written by conservative Republican Tom Cotton. The op-ed advocated for the use of the military to quell civil unrest following the death of George Floyd. Bennet reveals that the Times’ editorial culture underwent a significant shift after the financial crisis of 2007-08, resulting in the departure of veteran reporters and editors and the influx of younger, internet-savvy journalists.
According to Bennet, this cultural transformation led to a decline in inclusive debate and a growing intolerance for conservative voices within the Times.
“New progressive voices were celebrated within the Times. But in contrast to the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, conservative voices – even eloquent anti-Trump conservative voices – were despised,” Bennet explains.
Reflecting on the controversy surrounding the Cotton op-ed, Bennet admits to some regrets about his handling of the situation, including apologizing for publishing the argument.
“Opinion journalism that never causes pain is not journalism. It can’t hope to move society forward,” Bennet reflects.
The New York Times has disputed Bennet’s account of events, emphasizing their commitment to independence and their history of standing strong against pressure. However, Bennet’s tell-all has undoubtedly ignited a fierce debate about the state of journalism and the role of opinion in today’s media landscape.
According to Bennet, what specific incident in 2020 showcases the shift within The New York Times from pursuing truth to advancing a specific ideological agenda?
R. He accuses them of promoting a culture of censorship and stifling diverse viewpoints within the newsroom. Bennet refers to a specific incident in 2020 involving the publication of an op-ed written by Senator Tom Cotton, which generated controversy and led to his resignation.
According to Bennet, Sulzberger and Baquet succumbed to pressure from staff members who disagreed with publishing Cotton’s op-ed, effectively silencing an alternative perspective and undermining the paper’s commitment to free speech. He argues that this incident was indicative of a larger shift within The New York Times, where the pursuit of truth has been replaced by a commitment to advancing a specific ideological agenda.
Bennet also highlights the Times’ increasing reliance on social media as a determining factor in what stories make it to the front page. He asserts that this dependence on social media platforms, with their algorithms and echo chambers, results in a prioritization of sensationalism and clickbait over quality journalism. This, in turn, perpetuates an environment where news is curated to uphold preconceived narratives rather than providing an unbiased representation of events.
Furthermore, Bennet criticizes the Times for their lack of transparency and accountability when it comes to their reporting. He argues that the paper often engages in selective and misleading framing of stories, cherry-picking facts to fit their desired narrative. This manipulation of the truth, according to Bennet, erodes the public’s trust in journalistic institutions and contributes to the polarization of society.
In his tell-all, Bennet not only exposes the flaws and biases of The New York Times but also highlights the broader challenges facing the media industry as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity, independent thought, and a commitment to presenting multiple perspectives in order to uphold the fundamental principles of a democratic society.
Bennet’s article has sparked intense debate and scrutiny within the industry. While some view his exposé as a credible critique of The New York Times’ editorial practices, others argue that it is merely a former employee’s bitter account of his own shortcomings. Regardless of the differing opinions, Bennet’s article serves as a reminder to journalists and news organizations of the vital role they play in shaping public discourse and the responsibility they have to uphold the principles of honest, unbiased reporting.
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