We can argue about George Will’s political views. But there’s no need
to debate his professional ethics.
Late December brought to light a pair of self-inflicted wounds to the
famous columnist’s ethical pretensions. He broke an elementary rule of
journalism -- and then, when the New York Times called him on it,
proclaimed the transgression to be no one’s business but his own.
It turns out that George Will was among a number of prominent
individuals to receive $25,000 per day of conversation on a board of
advisers for Hollinger International, a newspaper firm controlled by
magnate Conrad Black. Although Will has often scorned the convenient
forgetfulness of others, the Times reported that “Mr. Will could not
recall how many meetings he attended.” But an aide confirmed the annual
$25,000 fee.
Even for a wealthy commentator, that’s a hefty paycheck for one day
of talk. But it didn’t stop Will from lavishing praise on Black in
print -- without a word about their financial tie.
In early March, Will wrote a syndicated piece that blasted critics of
