Press Policies on Gadgets, Free Products & Other Giveaways
Each month, we'll look at "gift policies" of three media organizations. Please e-mail editor Debra Murphey at [email protected] with suggestions for Media Monitor profiles.
Publication: Baltimore Sun, P.O. Box 1377, Baltimore, Md. 21278-0999, FAX: 410/332-6670
Sources: Bill Marimow, Managing Editor, 410/332-6088
Gift Policy: Formal policy is signed by reporters and editors upon starting at the company. No gifts accepted.
What They Do With Your Gifts?: Books that are reviewed go to the Pratt Library in the Baltimore public library system. Other books are sold to employees and the money is given to charity. Other gifts are donated to charity raffles or auctions.
Comments: None, do not accept gifts.
Publication: Business Week, 1221 Ave. of the Americas, 39th Fl., New York, N.Y. 10020-1093, FAX: 212/512-4938
Sources: Stephen Shepard, Editor In Chief, 212/512-2511
Gift Policy: Formal policy states that no gifts of any kind will be accepted, including trips. Occasionally a source or PR representative picks-up the tab for a meal.
What They Do With Your Gifts?: Of the hundreds of books received weekly only 1 or 2 are reviewed. The books not reviewed are gathered throughout the year to be sold to a local book store, that money is then given to charity. Bottles of scotch sent at Christmas are returned.
Comments: Staff members are required to sign the company's formal agreement annually.
Publication: PARADE, 711 3rd Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017, FAX: 212/450-7280
Sources: Larry Smith, Managing Editor, 212/450-7181
Gift Policy: No written policy.
What They Do With Your Gifts?: If a gift is sent and the magazine wants to review the product, the magazine pays for the product to avoid perception of favoritism. Larger items, such as automobiles and electronics (televisions, radios, tape recorders) are sent back after review.
Comments: The staff doesn't accept gifts. However, if a basket of fruit is sent, for example, it is shared around the newsroom. Gifts have never influenced a story, editors claim.