Less Separation of News and Advertising

Re “Breaching the Wall” series, March 29-31: I was disappointed to learn of the trend reported in today’s paper of the chipping away at the wall that separates newspaper editorial departments from the business and advertising departments. I value journalistic integrity very highly and would be very distressed if I believed that I could no longer trust the paper that I rely on to bring me news of my country, its government and of the world. I also am not interested in the fluff or entertainment coverage that passes for news on television. I want hard facts, investigated carefully, and reported on honestly and competently.

Whenever I read or hear any story, I read or listen critically, calibrating what I am being told with what I have heard from other sources I trust. I make a special point of examining closely those subjects that I am especially familiar with.

So make no mistake. If I were ever to suspect that The Times’ objectivity was being compromised, I would not hesitate to cancel my subscription.

DAVID SALAHI

Irvine

*

I commend David Shaw for his excellently written stories and his comprehensive presentation of the ethical journalistic and real world financial issues involved in whether the wall stands or falls.

As a daily subscriber for 25 years, the article set off alarm bells: Was The Times joining the modern religious sect of global corporatism and profit uber alles? Would crass mercantilism and journalistic whoredom force me to switch to the New York Times? On reflection, I think not.

The only sections of the paper that must be protected at all costs are the front and Metro. It is here where you need to pump in money to hire more first-class journalists to cover Southern California, Sacramento and to staff major domestic and foreign bureaus. In terms of civic responsibility, the other sections are nice but not necessary. Publisher Mark Willes should use these other sections as “cash cows” to fund the serious parts of the paper. Replicate the Investment Strategies Conference as often as possible (themes such as health, housing, sports, cooking, personal development, ad nauseam). Do anything as long as you make the wall higher and thicker between the serious parts of The Times and your bean counters.

DAN HASSETT

Rancho Palos Verdes

*

As a “citizen who wants the honest, complete news and information that is necessary to function in a democratic society,” I cannot believe the amount of newsprint wasted on your self-indulgent, self-absorbed three-part opus. Let me clue you in, outside of people who work at newspapers, nobody cares.

BILL LINDEN

West Hollywood