American Society of Magazine Editors overhauls advertising guidelines
Unlike the old guidelines, where discouraging cover ads was the first item on the list, now there’s no specific language dissuading publishers from selling cover ads.
And when it comes to editors collaborating alongside advertisers, the new principles simply say, “Editors should avoid working with and reporting on the same marketer.” They previously said, “Don’t ask editors to write ads.”
The old guidelines were intended to protect readers’ confidence in editors’ independence from advertiser influence. ASME, as the editors’ organisation is known, say the new guidelines serve the same purpose.
Certain journalism stalwarts might see the revisions as a surrender: With the wall between advertising and editorial eroding, the trade group for magazine journalists watered down its guidelines to appease advertisers. But ASME CEO Sid Holt said that’s not the case.
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