Media Get In on Political Action

Corporations are not alone as hosts of parties for members of Congress at this year’s political conventions. At least one trade group is teaming up with media organizations for a late-night party in Boston costing an estimated $100,000 and featuring Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) as a “special guest.”

The Distilled Spirits Council, the trade group for America’s leading alcohol distributors, is joining with three publications -- Roll Call, the Economist and the New Republic -- to pay for the private, five-hour bash called “The Spirits of Boston.” Members of Congress, lobbyists and press representatives are on the invitation list.

“Everyone agreed that having someone of Sen. Daschle’s stature on the invitation becomes an added draw,” said Frank Coleman, the council’s director of public affairs.

But some question the media’s involvement in the party. Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Washington-based Project for Excellence in Journalism, said news organizations were on dangerous ground when they partnered with people and organizations they covered. Roll Call, for instance, covers Congress and its relationships with lobbyists.

“Certain parties and certain collaborations are unwise,” Rosenstiel said. “People distrust the press more and more and more. This kind of stuff doesn’t help.”

Roll Call Editor Tim Curran said he had not given much thought to the party, but did not think it would have any effect on the publication’s news coverage.

“I think we’re mature enough to know that somebody’s not going to buy us off by participating in a party,” he said. “It’s like buying lunch for somebody, in my point of view.”

New Republic Publisher Stephanie Sandberg said she saw no problem with the party, nor did she think it would affect how the magazine covered the news. “I would never make a decision that would compromise our editorial staff. It’s a party,” she said.

The Spirits Council is having a similar party in New York, but has not yet named its congressional honoree. Instead of the New Republic, the hosts will include the magazines the Weekly Standard and Cigar Aficionado.