Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of here.

Does The Enquirer exhibit an editorial bias designed to advance their own business interests, particularly as they pertain to things like The Freedom Center, the Streetcar proposal, and 3CDC’s redevelopment in Over-The-Rhine?  No matter one’s political position on these topics, what does it mean if Cincinnati’s major daily paper inserts itself into the business of the City to push for development for the purpose of self-profit?  Is that the kind of thing we expect from so-called professional journalists?  What does The Enquirer have to say, if anything, in response to such allegations?

For those who have been watching, apparent conflicts of interest regarding The Enquirer are nothing new.  In fact, we first wrote about The Enquirer’s relationship with and coverage of 3CDC near the beginning of 2006. 

Since we recently discovered The Freedom Center’s web relationship with The Enquirer via a domain entitled ShopAtCincinnati.com, one must wonder at the name of the domain itself.  And when one considers how so many Streetcar advocates point to permanent rails as a boost to business development, one can’t help buy wonder if “ShopAtCincinnati.com” is a domain that will somehow capitalize on the overall development.

This, combined with The Enquirer’s connections to the parties involved—from The Freedom Center at The Banks development all the way to 3CDC’s Over-The-Rhine—well, it just starts to look like the paper has its hands into something besides reporting news.

So, in an attempt to seek complete clarification, I have just sent the following to Tom Callinan, Hollis Towns, and Margaret Buchanan:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to seek clarification about the relationship The Enquirer has with various downtown entities and projects, specifically how these relationships may not only influence news stories, but also how they may indicate business relationships for profit.

For example, The Enquirer appears to own a domain entitled “ShopAtCincinnati.com.” The Freedom Center utilizes this domain when seeking to link volunteers with agencies seeking help through an online interface.  And the overall Freedom Center web page appears hosted on The Enquirer’s servers.

As has already been discussed, Margaret Buchanan sits on the board of 3CDC. 

The new Streetcar proposal seeks to connect the area including The Freedom Center to 3CDC’s Over-The-Rhine development.  Proponents say permanent rail lines attract business.  The idea of new business seems to fit with a domain entitled “ShopAtCincinnati.com.”

Some may deduce, therefore, that The Enquirer, as a business entity, is seeking to influence news in a manner beneficial to its own profit. 

1.  How does The Enquirer respond to such allegations?

2.  Since “ShopAtCincinnati.com” does not have an active home page, what is the purpose of that domain?

Thanks for your prompt response to these questions.  I may have follow ups.

Respectfully,

The Dean of Cincinnati

Thank you for reading (and printing from) The Cincinnati Beacon.