Question for former journalists out there

[SoxFan]

Tell me what you think about the propriety of this scenario:

A journalist joins the radical libertarian-right Free State Project and moves to new Hampshire because it isn't "socialist" like Massachusetts;

He takes a job as a reporter and news editor for a weekly paper;

While working for the paper, he maintains a blog that links to numerous radical web sites, including one that questions President Obama's citizenship;

On this same blog, he states that his postings are inspired by God;

While interviewing local politicians for news stories, he openly voices disdain for President Obama and especially Vice President Biden (the word "hate" came up);

he gives the Free State Project, viewed by most local as a group of publicity-hungry pests, glowing coverage for their goofy stunts, such as picking up litter while carrying firearms;

At no time does he disclose his political activities in the newspaper.

Ethical? Unethical? Give me some insight.

[blm]

1. Mr blm says it IS highly unethical for a news reporter.......

if he's a columnist it becomes less so, but, his affiliations should be noted.

[EFerrari]

2. A reporter at our fish wrap was suspended for going to a demonstration

on his day off and that's a much lower key activity than maintaining a wingnut blog, isn't it?

[catnhatnh]

3. This one strikes me as a tippy-toe right at the line...

...I would think that his editor should be made aware though and should keep a VERY close eye on his articles slant...but unless he opines in the articles he is probably not being unethical, though he is an obvious headcase.

[SoxFan]

4. The articles have been slanted

And now he is writing op-eds on the same topics he covered last week as a reporter.

BTW, I'm talking about Andrew Manuse of the Manchester Express

[catnhatnh]

6. Then he crossed the line....

I did both edit and report simultaneously, but both actions were overseen by a publisher with a very much hands on attitude and an opposing political slant. Tuesday afternoons before we put the weekly to bed was always a time of a lot of good discussions.

[FirstLight]

5. This is like a question from my Media 101 class...

DUH! I call foul loud & clear on this guy....

Whether you are pro Obama or spewing hate... your journalistic integrity requires full disclosure to readers of the paper, as well as to the Publisher and Managing Editor. Especially if he is using his position/title as a journalist to get to people he wouldn't be able to speak to if he was an average citizen. (espceially a nutball average guy) If he was using his position on his blog as a way of credentialing himself, that is a violation too.

The ME and Publisher should have nipped him in the bud. Or he should have to come clean to his community in an apology column for mis-representing himself.

*sigh* but I am an idealist... I thought Journalism meant we weren't allowed to take sides at ALL ...