CMA draws criticism for sacking editors

Unfortunately Thomas Jefferson's views do not guarantee an ethical
press. The press needs some a degree of outside monitoring so that for
example all declarations of interest are revealed clearly to readers. The
BMJ's guidelines go quite some way to acheiving this whilst limiting what
declarations are made mandatory. In general there is probably greater
transparency nowadays but in the case of one local newpaper there is no
declaration at all of the editor's familial relationship with a Chair of
a Primary Care Trust even though many stories around health are published
in the paper.The pitfalls include a potential reluctance to publish
critical stories and letters which could cause embarrassment, greater
access to publication by some sections of that community and a lack of
expression of a diversity of views. If a declaration of 'connection' as an
'interest' was obligitory in all sections of the press, it would be
useful. As well as the freedom to publish as advocated by Jefferson,the
press has great control over what is not reported.

Competing interests:
None declared