For $25-250K, Washington Post Offered Lobbyists Access to Obama Officials, Congress and Reporters

The Post “guaranteed… a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds.”

By Jeremy Scahill

Mike Allen’s story on Politico today on how The Washington Post attempted to sell access to Obama administration officials, members of Congress and the Post’s reporters for the small price of $25,000-250,000 is a must read. In an ironic twist, the pay-for-access scandal was brought to public light by a health care lobbyist who was given a flier promoting one of the Washington Post’s exclusive “Salons.”

Key excerpts from Politico:

“Underwriting Opportunity: An evening with the right people can alter the debate,” says the one-page flier. “Underwrite and participate in this intimate and exclusive Washington Post Salon, an off-the-record dinner and discussion at the home of CEO and Publisher Katharine Weymouth. … Bring your organization’s CEO or executive director literally to the table. Interact with key Obama administration and congressional leaders.”

[…]

The flier says: “Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No. The relaxed setting in the home of Katharine Weymouth assures it. What is guaranteed is a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds typically on the guest list of 20 or less. …

“Offered at $25,000 per sponsor, per Salon. Maximum of two sponsors per Salon. Underwriters’ CEO or Executive Director participates in the discussion. Underwriters appreciatively acknowledged in printed invitations and at the dinner. Annual series sponsorship of 11 Salons offered at $250,000 … Hosts and Discussion Leaders … Health-care reporting and editorial staff members of The Washington Post … An exclusive opportunity to participate in the health-care reform debate among the select few who will actually get it done. … A Washington Post Salon … July 21, 2009 6:30 p.m. …

“Washington Post Salons are extensions of The Washington Post brand of journalistic inquiry into the issues, a unique opportunity for stakeholders to hear and be heard,” the flier says. “At the core is a critical topic of our day. Dinner and a volley of ideas unfold in an evening of intelligent, news-driven and off-the-record conversation. … By bringing together those powerful few in business and policy-making who are forwarding, legislating and reporting on the issues, Washington Post Salons give life to the debate. Be at this nexus of business and policy with your underwriting of Washington Post Salons.”

The Washington Post has not—as yet—cancelled its Salons, but issued a statement saying the flier was not “properly vetted and this draft does not represent what the company’s vision for these dinners are.” The Post’s news division says its staff will not participate in these meetings.