Sponsored content is a way of life in the journalism landscape these days. But sometimes it’s just a little too odd to deal with. Like today in Politico, there’s sponsored content from Melody Barnes, chair of the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions and former Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. It’s properly labeled, so no issue there. But in a story bearing Ms. Barnes’ byline, she runs a “story” in which someone interviews her. Her interviewer is hardly a reporter — it’s Chauncy Lennon, PhD, JPMorgan Chase’s Senior Program Director for Workforce Development.
The topic is serious and important but also dry as straw. It’s about closing the skills gap. In other words, getting people the proper skills they need to get a job.
As long as we all understand that this is not remotely journalism, but a lengthy ad designed to confuse you into thinking it is, no big deal. Still, a byline used to mean something and it’s a little appalling that its all come to this.
See here.
