Reuters EIC responds to Soros criticism in ‘baffling’ memo

Reuters
Rush Limbaugh said George Soros is behind the ongoing Occupy Wall Street protests and that was apparently enough for an Oct. 13 story written and distributed by Reuters. Shortly thereafter, Reuters updated its story, repeating the Limbaugh claim but letting a Soros spokesman adamantly deny it. The original story also had Soros “indirectly” connected with the Canadian-based provocateurs known as Adbusters, who sparked the protests. Adbusters adamantly denied receiving Soros money, but admitted wishing it had. The clarification wasn’t satisfying — to say the least — to journalists at the wire service itself, reports Forbes’ Jeff Bercovici. And their frustration is only multiplying following a memo sent out by editor in chief Steve Adler. The memo, which is a response to staff concerns, says “We uncover hard-to-get facts through meticulous, dogged reporting, and we report what we learn fairly and dispassionately – with no other agenda than informing our readers.” But it doesn’t actually address the sourcing and inexact science of reporting behind the Soros story. Bercovici says, “Adler’s memo is likewise baffling,” and he describes Reuters staffers as “scratching their heads” over its contents. Lacking a radio show of his own, George Soros has not reported on what Rush Limbaugh might be behind. | Earlier: Reuters under fire for confusing report alleging George Soros connection to Occupy Wall Street