I will protect your pensions. Nothing about your pension is going to change when I am governor. - Chris Christie, "An Open Letter to the Teachers of NJ" October, 2009

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Is Brian Williams "Reformy"?

So, I'm looking at the list of honorees at the "Worst Party Ever,"and one names stands out: Brian Williams. Yes, that Brian Williams, America's Most Trusted Newsman ©.

The "Worst Party Ever" is being hosted by the Center For Education Reform. CER is pro-charter, anti-grass roots, anti-union, and anti-local control. They regularly critique the media, looking for pro-reformy reporting and criticizing anything that may possibly give voice to a push back of their agenda.

In other words: this is not a neutral education research group, nor an uncontroversial service organization. These people have a political agenda, and they push it hard.

Am I the only one who thinks it is more than a little unseemly that one of the best known newsmen in America is accepting an award from these people? Isn't this a clear violation of journalistic ethics?

Would everyone be OK with Mr. Williams accepting an award from the NEA? How about the Chamber of Commerce? The Heritage Foundation? People For the American Way?

Why hasn't anyone called Williams on this? Shouldn't we start?

ADDING: From the "Worst Party Ever" website:
Brian Williams – Special Media Award
As the nation’s most well-respected and influential journalist, Brian Williams has thrust the need for education reform into the homes and minds of millions of Americans. 
The work of NBC, particularly Williams’ contributions to Education Nation, have made a critical difference in a big, new way building an influential advocacy base for charter schools and reforms that professionalize teaching and put students and performance first. Williams’ wit, intelligence and telegenic personality have not only kept reform a hot issue at NBC, but shows there’s much more to reporting than just being on the beat. 
Williams’ passion for creating better educational opportunities does not fade even when the television camera lights do. His personal involvement with schools like Harlem Village Academies and other reform efforts are commendable. 
For rockin’ reform on and off the air, the EdReformie goes to…Brian Williams. [emphasis mine]
Is this the job of a journalist? Have we given up any pretext of objectivity?

I mean... wow. I'm speechless.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Does Brian REALLY need this high school award to pad his vita?

Here's a reformy award we should dole out:
Best Hack Science Adopted by DoE.

czarejs said...

Wow...read that description. Good thing we have these "reformy" people to professionalize teaching.