Mediacheck

Sun's Olympics Reporter Was Paid to Write for IOC's Magazine

Jeff Lee says his editors cleared him to take free-lance job, can't recall fee.

By Andrew MacLeod, 22 May 2009, TheTyee.ca

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Lee's gig: Jan/Feb/March issue of Olympic Review.

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The Vancouver Sun's lead reporter on the Olympics, Jeff Lee, has over the years written some stories unlikely to please the International Olympic Committee or local organizers. But the IOC must not have minded his recent "Feeling the Buzz" piece on preparations for the games in Vancouver and Whistler.

They paid for it and published it.

"Feeling the Buzz" appeared in the January, February, March issue of The Olympic Review, billed on the cover as the "official publication of the Olympic movement." The masthead says the 84-page magazine is published by the International Olympic Committee. It includes a foreward by Jacques Rogge, IOC president.

"I'm being paid for it, sure. I'm freelancing," said Lee. "I would hope nobody at The Tyee would suggest I've given them a free ride or this is a conflict."

On holiday and on his way for lunch with his mother, Lee said he had little time to talk, though he did spend several minutes on the phone. "I don't see any point having a discussion about it at this point," he said. "I was waiting for you guys to call. Someone told me you were on this bullshit."

'Unifying force for humankind'

Lee's Olympic Review story opens with bid president John Furlong telling chairman Jack Poole on the day they won the right to host the games that they had "moved a mountain."

Wrote Lee, "In the six years since that moment in Prague, the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), with Furlong still at its helm, has continued to move mountains, if not literally then certainly figuratively."

Corporate sponsors have brought "financial muscle" to the organization, venues have been built on time, buyers have snapped up tickets and the games include economic and cultural opportunities for indigenous people, he found.

"More importantly, Canada as a country adopted the message of the Olympic movement as a unifying force for humankind through sports."

Environmental sustainability has featured prominently, Lee's story said, with green buildings and district heating projects. The athlete's village is proceeding within sight of B.C. Place where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held.

Furlong himself, by the way, now the CEO of VANOC, has a "gift for oratory [that] has long been seen as one of the keys to VANOC's success."

'He needs to disclose': critic

The content, however, matters less than the optics of a reporter taking payment from an organization that he's covering.

"I would see it as a conflict," said Chris Shaw, the author of Five Ring Circus, an investigative look at the Vancouver Olympic bid. "I don't think it's a sin. It's just something that needs to be out there in the public."

Lee is welcome to take the IOC's money even as he writes about the Olympics for the Vancouver Sun, Shaw said, but he should let his readers know. "He needs to disclose that when he writes for The Sun," he said. "It is a conflict and it should be disclosed the same way I would in my scientific world. Then everything's on the table and it's fair."

He added, "It's only a conflict if it's not really disclosed."

Asked if Sun readers likely knew he'd worked for the IOC's official publication, Lee said, "Whether or not my Sun readers knew about it, all they have to do is go on the Internet." A moment later he added, "The readership for The Olympic Review is not the same as for The Sun.”

The Olympic Review is produced by a company under contract to the IOC, said Lee, so the IOC would not be paying him directly. He said he does not remember what the publication agreed to pay him, nor has he billed yet having had a busy year in which his father died and his mother was injured.

Editors were aware

The editors approached him and asked him to write the piece, he said, as they have done with other reporters in other Olympic cities. "This is a common thing," he said. "If you go back and look at The Olympic Review for Olympics in the past, whether it was Torino, Athens or anywhere else, what they do is depend on a reporter who's in the area."

Lee said getting paid to write an article for the IOC's magazine is different from taking free tickets or some other kind of benefit. Nor did it come with any expectations. "Would the IOC expect me to give them an easy ride or change my tone or do something different? The answer is no."

His editors were aware of the story, he said. "I did clear this with my editors," he said. "My editors were advised I'd been asked to do this and nobody had any problem with it."

Lee suggested calling Sun editor-in-chief Patricia Graham. The Tyee did call her, but she did not phone back by posting time.

The Sun's parent company, Canwest Publishing Inc., is an official print media supplier to the Vancouver 2010 games, according to VANOC's sponsorship web page as are The Globe and Mail and La Presse.

Strained relations

Lee said his relationship with VANOC has at times been rough. During the bid phase, there were members of the committee who complained to his publisher, he said, though he declined to go into detail on what the story that bothered them was about.

"My relations with the people at VANOC happen to be somewhat strained at the moment," he said, without providing details.

Shaw characterized Lee's coverage of the Olympics for The Sun as "variable". Much Olympic coverage tends towards puff pieces, he said, and Lee has written some of them. "Most reporters in this city err on the side of being kind to the Olympics and kind to VANOC."

But, said Shaw, Lee has also done some strong work. "Every now and then his better journalistic instincts kick in and he asks some hard questions," he said. "He can be a very hard-nosed reporter when he wants to... He can do the hard investigative journalism stuff, he just doesn't always do that."

The Tyee looking at his work for Olympic Review would be a "cheap shot," Lee predicted. "I know what's going to come out of it will probably be an attack story on me," he said. "I think this is just mischief making. It's in the grand tradition of journalism to go mischief making, but people will see this is pretty thin stuff."

Related Tyee stories:

[Tyee]

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee's Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.

20 Comments:

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  • The Blackbird

    2 years ago

    I'd like to know what VANOC offered to pay

    This freelance job could have been written by anyone. It's all to script, an advertisement for the Olympic brand. So why did VANOC offer the job to Lee? Because the more time an honest, critical reporter spends working on the commercial, the less time he has to spend working on what's really going on in town as the Games approach.

    Chris Shaw is correct in stating elsewhere that the number one "security" threat to the Games is embarrassment before the international media. Here, a reporter posed that threat.

    Too bad he took the bait.

  • zalm

    2 years ago

    Disingenuous

    Who the hell said Jeff Lee asks the tough questions? When has he ever been anything but a booster for the Olympics? He was one of the reasons I stopped reading the Canwest dailies a few years ago - the chances of losing my breakfast over his syncophantic drivel on nearly any subject were too great - there NEVER was a tough piece on the Olympics (or any other profit-driven effort) written by Lee, and Shaw is being disingenuous for no particular reason to suggest so.

    No need to be polite, Chris. Call a spade a f*****g shovel. Jeff Lee no more deserves the appellation "journalist" than Dick Cheney does "man of good will". Never was Twain's quote more aptly symbolized.

    And, Andrew, if there's a story, it's in the embarrassment to the ink-stained scrivener's profession that Stephen Hume is becoming. A once-brilliant mind and sharp wit is beginning to dodder throughout the fields of mediocrity toward infantilism. Electoral reform, sustainable fisheries and citizen journalism have all fallen to the wavering quill of the new hagiographer to the malicious and powerful in our world. Is this truly the man who wrote about Simon Fraser? He's starting to sound like the querulous, whining old bastard my once-brilliant uncle became.

  • Norman Farrell

    2 years ago

    No worse than speaker fees

    Canwest could hardly block a writer from taking payment from a business he or she covers. That might be an ethical matter in some places but not at Canwest Global. Don't their political columnists take fees from organizations they might cover?

  • The Blackbird

    2 years ago

    Should we be surprised?

    The Sun is an Official Supplier to the Games. In this instance, they supplied an employee. With all the layoffs in the media industry and the rumour that The Sun and Province may soon merge, it isn't a stretch to consider that Lee's choice to accept the offer may have been inspired - at least in part - by fear.

  • DSB

    2 years ago

    Well, it is a bit of a cheap

    Well, it is a bit of a cheap shot.

    Not every journalist is 100% an investigative journalist, and not every journalist (or Vancouver resident) views the Olympics as a bad thing.

    Lee's article appearing in the Review is just as it would be in some other entertainment magazine, like Vancouver magazine or similar. The money won't make an impact on his ability to report for a newspaper in a more investigative way.

  • Maurice Cardinal

    2 years ago

    Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

    One of the reasons newspapers are going bankrupt is because they foolishly believe advertisers are their customers.

    They are not.

    Readers are your customers.

    Respect them and report Olympic news in a timely manner.

    It's not only what you report, but WHEN you report
    and what you leave out that matters.

    It might be legal for a journalist and his newspaper to be paid by an
    advertiser to tell the Olympic side of the Olympic story, but it's not
    ethical, nor is it social media friendly.

    Transparency is the key to trust.

    The more you hide, the less we trust.

    Chomsky calls it "necessary illusion."

    I call it selling out your community.

    Take note that Lee's official Twitter name is OlympicReporter, not community reporter.

    I addressed Lee's biased relationship with our community and the 2010 Olympics in my book, Leverage Olympic Momentum way back in 2006, and in my blog, OlyBLOG.com, since 2004.

    One 2006 post in my blog is particularly interesting because it illustrates how Lee uses people like Chris Shaw to advance his position and fool the community into thinking he is a partisan reporter. You can read it here - http://www.olyblog.com/f/06/ShawLeeF09282006.shtml

    Lee is well paid by the IOC through his publisher to tell the Olympic side of the Olympic story.

    Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

  • freebear

    2 years ago

    I do not read either rag!

    I am sure less than 48% of eligible brains in BC won't bother to care!

  • Name

    2 years ago

    Open & shut

    It's an undeclared conflict, pure and simple. If Lee doesn't get that he has at the very least a perception problem, he's either burying his head in the sand or he's dumber than his reputation suggests. Why does he think the IOC would ask him of all people to write puff pieces for them, when they could find a dozen other freelancers who specialize in that sort of writing and who would be better qualified to provide what they need?

    And it's just stupid and arrogant for his bosses to ignore the issue instead of at least acknowledging that their policy may warrant a closer look. Especially when they regularly go after others with great gusto for real or imagined conflicts of interest.

    And really, whatever his past record, how can Lee claim objectivity from here on, knowing that the Olympic folks may have all sorts of extra freelance dollars to offer him if they like his coverage in the Sun? I'd wager against any reporter passing a polygraph test on the question of whether they might not be influenced in any way in the same situation.

    My next question is - how common is this, if Canwest editors see no problem with Lee's getting paid to work for the primary player on his main "beat"?

    How many Sun reporters who cover provincial issues earn a little cash writing puff for the Public Affairs Bureau or the Premier? Are the city hall reporters in bed with - or having their beds feathered by - Vision or the NPA? Do business reporters also get their bread buttered by the business interests about whom they report to the public? How about the editors - have they too sold out to the highest bidders? And... wait for it... is it conceivable that those paragons of hard-hitting journalism in the real estate and automotive sections might actually be getting paid by the beneficiaries to write all those fluff pieces that sound so much like shilling?

    Having nothing better to do, I picked up a Sun while waiting for my car at the garage this morning - what a sad joke! The Province was right there next to it, but with another 30 minutes to kill I simply couldn't face it & settled for watching TV soaps instead. Sure they get the occasional flash of solid reporting in there, but it's just not worth wading through the utter crap that dominates - and they still don't get why they're dying.

  • morechatter

    2 years ago

    Selling Out Your Communities

    Is that like Global making its days news about the NDP and its wonderful contribution of over a half a million to charities through out the province a hypocritical action. Now this is the same hypocritical paper that fails to report the dire need of these various organizations because of Can west's and commitment to ensure BC Children go without. But these guys are a riot down at Can west as there commercial talks of bringing down a can of Campbell's for starving kids. Now what a bunch of sell outs making the evening news about the NDP contributions to help children who have been sexually abused from going without necessary treatment. As the Liberals cuts go deep or was the Can west cuts go deep it so easy to get the two mixed up as they are like two peas in a pod. And how sick is that?

  • morechatter

    2 years ago

    What's The Journalist's Contribution

    And of course Campbell's contribution to charities? What by ensuring there are plenty of sexually abused children who are forced to wait for treatment? Or hungry children while broadcasters are drumming up communities for a cans of Campbell's soup for starving families because their cupboards are bare. Can West and Mr. Campbell have done their level best to ensure there is plenty of needy children and families out there yet they point their figure when NDP contributes a half million and makes you wonder what kinda hyprocrites they are? Canwest and Campbell should eat those words?

    Unless your talking the fix, which you gotta know the only thing that Global and crew are trying to fix is that they clear the area for the Olympics. Its no wonder at times the Tyee seems almost extreme but the extremes are really the dailies and local news. As Canwest and Campbell take their soaps to the limits. Whats that old saying be careful when you point your fingure because it may come back at you?

  • ZoeBlunt

    2 years ago

    Lee fails the "objective journalist" test

    I've had a couple go-rounds with Jeff Lee and found him unbearably snotty, condescending, and biased. A few weeks ago, I asked him (and then his editor) for a correction when he used the term "professional protester" to describe social-justice activists in Vancouver and Victoria. Instead, he decided I was a "professional protester" too. Google "Jeff Lee" and "Blog War" together to see the hilarious results.

  • linda@thevancou...

    2 years ago

    Chris Shaw's Blog is Really Great

    As a reporter, I think the ethics of this seem gnarly indeed. Years ago, this would have been considered unacceptable. Today,positional journalism, as we all know, dominates more and more. Having accepted a paycheck from the organization he covers I think moves Lee squarely into positional journalism. Thanks to the Tyee for informing the public, and me, of where he's coming from. Now, to Chris Shaw. If you want to read more from the other side, Chris Shaw has been publishing his Olympics news on an almost daily basis on www.thevancouverobserver.com. His column is called "Olympics Blog." Whatever you call it, Chris is a dedicated "digger" and very smart and he can also be funny and you will find some of the best writing about the Olympics in his stories.

    Chris's work is solidly reported and he always tries to get comments from everyone related to a story. Still, his work is published as a blog as the The Vancouver Observer's attempt to make it clear to readers that Chris does have a position on the Olympics, clearly spelled out in his book, Five Ring Circus.

    But Chris is also able to put that aside and just tell the story. Maybe the Vancouver Sun should consider shifting Lee's Olympics coverage into its blogging section.

  • Rod Smelser

    2 years ago

    My Age is Showing Again

    I am old enough to remember when Jeff Lee was a reporter for the Maple Ridge News, a Socred boosting publication. IIRC, the MR News took the view that Expo86 was nothing but good news for BC!

  • dave49

    2 years ago

    Is there hope for me yet?

    It definitely sounds like a conflict. I'm also surprised that a guy with a secure newspaper job would be scooping work from free-lancers or PR firms, given that newspapers buy almost no content from free-lancers. I thought editors normally frowned on that sort of thing.

    Personally what I find most interesting is that the IOC hired him after he wrote stories critical of the VANOC and the 2010 Olympics.

    I'm going back 20 years ago, but my academic work pissed off some people with long memories and I've never managed to make a career in my originally chosen field. Maybe Jeff Lee story means there is hope for me yet.

  • Jeffrey J.

    2 years ago

    Media Watch Critical

    Democracy without understanding media dynamics will not succeed. It is critical that citizens understand how journalists come to tell us 'facts' about any given topic.

    AS dave49 noted, "personally what I find most interesting is that the IOC hired him after he wrote stories critical of the VANOC and the 2010 Olympics". That is precisely the point.

    Never again will Mr. Lee diss the Olympics. Who bites the hand that feeds them? This is precisely the problem with monopoly media (oligopoly). They have most of the loot, and can determine who will get paid to say what. Bias and conflicts of interest that are kept quiet distort the public's view of what is true. Ultimately, history tells us what happens to societies who lose their media freedom.

  • jefflee

    2 years ago

    Use your real names

    I've no comment on the story, but I will say that I find it distasteful that people will hide behind pseudonyms when sniping. You won't find me doing that.
    Want to attack me? Fine. But have the courage to do it using your real name. At least MacLeod did.
    And yes, this is the real Jeff Lee.

  • Ashleigh

    2 years ago

    Leave the poor guy alone

    This article sounds just about as bad as those celebrity stories, hounding them in their day-to-day lives, watching what they do in their spare time. I'm disappointed the Tyee thought this was important.

    The man is a writer and he is doing his work. I don't believe this is a conflict of interest. I am a freelance writer and I can see where this writer is coming from. He got permission from his supervisors. Why does the public need to know what he does in his spare time?

    It is definitely possible to write a positive, commercial, story on a subject one day and still be critical about it the next.

  • Maurice Cardinal

    2 years ago

    Jeff Lee's response to this piece

    Jeff Lee responded in part to this piece on his Vancouver Sun blog - http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/insideolympics/default.aspx

    Hopefully he will take a few moments to respond here.

    I'd love an opportunity to discuss this issue with him in a public forum he doesn't control.

  • Clawman

    2 years ago

    Read what he wrote

    Ignoring for a minute the optics of a reporter writing for (and collecting a fee from) an organization he is supposed to be reporting about, consider what he writes:

    --John Furlong has "continued to move mountains"
    --The Olympics seen as a "unifying force for mankind."
    --Corporate sponsors have brought "financial muscle" to the Games.

    If I'm a conscientious Sun editor reading these sycophantic cliches, do I keep this reporter on the Olympic beat? Hardly.

    Oh, and when a freelancing journalists says he "can't recall" his negotiated fee, the first words that come to mind are: Pants on fire.

  • Maurice Cardinal

    2 years ago

    Bias is part of life and business

    Bias is acceptable as long as everyone knows you are biased.

    Local mainstream news companies have already generated incredible revenue publishing Olympic related information. 2010 is their cash cow - http://www.olyblog.com/f/06/MediaProfitF07272006.shtml

    Much of what many residents in Host regions know about the Olympics still comes from mainstream news sources.

    The IOC cannot possibly maintain its outdated business model without the editorial and promotional cooperation of newspapers and television.

    The Olympics cannot survive without Volunteers.

    VANOC uses local mainstream news media to conscript Volunteers.

    Telling half-truths is the same as lying.

    Host region residents need information in a TIMELY manner in order to understand their options.

    Newspapers are dieing, but withholding information and reporting it only when it serves a news company’s economic purpose is unethical.

    The Vancouver Sun only started to brand their newspaper with the Olympic logo in 2009, but have been an Olympic partner since 2007. They still only place the Rings on their front page, and do not indicate their bias on each Olympic article published. - http://www.olyblog.com/f/07/CrowdSourceF08032007.shtml#SUNBOOSTER

    Local mainstream news media and Olympic Sponsors make a fortune off the Games while Host region taxpayers foot the bill.

    Olympic sponsors carry the Torch and look the other way while marginalized people in Host regions feel the heat of the flame.

    The last four Olympic regions DID NOT realize an economic or social return on their investments. Salt Lake City 2002 deficit was $1.2 billion, Athens 2004 $12 billion, Turin 2006 still counting, and Beijing 2008 was a farce with many of their facilities already white elephants.

    Vancouver and London are fairing no better.

    None of these regions experienced even a reasonable boost in tourism or foreign investment proportionate to their outlay in time, money, and inconvenience, but still NBC boasts they sell advertising to 8 billion eyeballs at a single Summer Olympics.

    Sponsors will continue to look away until social media forces them to the table, but I’m betting Olympic athletes will soon break rank and call the IOC on issues that hurt their sport, and Host communities.

    Women ski jumpers recently opened this door.

    BTW, I’m Pro-Olympics, with a twist,
    which means I love the sport, but hate the politics.

    Unlike Chris Shaw, I don’t want to see the Olympics end. I want to see it improved so everyone in our community benefits. First our local community profits, then the province, Canada, news media, the IOC, and if there is anything left, Olympic sponsors can fight over it.

    Unfortunately, it rolls out the other way around.

    Olympic Sponsors would be well advised to do the right thing before this train rolls off the track with them in tow.

    Thanks to Social Media, Olympic Sponsors can no longer partner with and hide behind mainstream news media.

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