Conflict of Interest 102

Today Tribune business writer Phil Rosenthal vents his troubled conscience in a long column about the trouble Tribune writers have covering the troubled Tribune Corp. The column includes this statement:

Whatever our loyalty to the newspaper, our relationship to Tribune Co. management, no matter what critics think, is hardly one of unwavering affection. One colleague of mine, not covering the story, recently confided that the decline in Tribune's share price in recent years has meant he has lost more money from his once-sizable retirement investment in the stock than he has earned on the job.

Chicago Tribune reporters are rewarded for their service with Tribune Corp. stock, which means Chicago Tribune reporters have a direct investment in the success not only of the Tribune Corp, but also of the Chicago Cubs.

'nuff said?

If not, please see Ethical Disclosure 101.