United States: WPF Alarmed by Bloomberg’s Decision to Fire Jennifer Jacobs Over Premature Publication of US-Russia Prisoner Swap
Journalist takes fall for the news outlets’ mishap that could have put lives at risk
Location: United States
Date: August 5, 2024
Women Press Freedom is concerned by Bloomberg News's decision to terminate White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs after the outlet was criticized for reporting the US-Russia prisoner swap (that included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva) before the historic exchange had happened. The premature release of the news raised concerns about the safety of the prisoners involved. This breaking of the White House embargo resulted in Bloomberg enacting swift disciplinary action against several editorial staff members, including the dismissal of Jacobs. This decision sets an alarming precedent where reporters, despite adhering to editorial guidelines, may bear the brunt of disciplinary measures for decisions made by senior management. Such practices risk fostering a culture of fear and self-censorship, where reporters might hesitate to pursue important stories, fearing repercussions for editorial choices beyond their control. This undermines the core principles of a free press, which relies on the ability of journalists to report the news without undue interference or fear of retaliation. We urge Bloomberg to reconsider its actions and provide clarity on the roles of all parties involved. The media outlet must ensure greater transparency and accountability in its editorial processes, protect the integrity of its newsroom, and foster an environment where reporters can perform their duties without fear of unjust punishment.
“Reporters don’t have the final say over when a story is published or with what headline,” wrote former White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs, following news she had been dismissed by Bloomberg News on August 5, 2024. “The chain of events here could happen to any reporter tasked with reporting the news. This is why checks and balances exist within the editorial processes.”
In an email to staff that same day, Bloomberg News editor-in-chief John Micklethwait disclosed that several staff members had been disciplined after the outlet “prematurely” published news of the historic prisoner swap between Russia and the United States. Micklethwait stated that the decision to publish the story violated the outlet’s editorial standards.
He acknowledged that while the premature report did not endanger the lives of those involved, it breached the trust between the newsroom and its audience, as well as the individuals directly affected.
The company did not specify who was disciplined or the nature of their punishments. However, at least one — White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs — was fired. This dismissal marks a rare instance of a journalist being punished for the decision to publish a significant news story, which likely would have been reviewed by senior editors.
A spokesperson for Bloomberg News declined to comment on questions sent by the Guardian regarding the investigation, including which senior editors reviewed the article and whether any of them had been dismissed.
Jacobs defended her actions, stating she had adhered to all editorial guidelines and worked closely with her editors. She emphasized that reporters do not have the final say over when a story is published.
“As a journalist, the idea that I would jeopardize the safety of a fellow reporter is deeply upsetting on a level that’s difficult to describe,” Jacobs wrote on X. “I am so happy Evan Gershkovich and the others are home.”
“In reporting the story about Evan’s release, I worked hand in hand with my editors to adhere to editorial standards and guidelines,” she continued. “At no time did I do anything that was knowingly inconsistent with the administration’s embargo or that would put anyone involved at risk.”
The termination of Jacobs shows the precarious position of reporters who, despite following editorial protocols, may face severe consequences for decisions made higher up the chain of command. The lack of clarity regarding which senior editors reviewed and approved the article and whether they faced similar repercussions raises questions about Bloomberg’s internal processes.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Jennifer Jacobs and views her dismissal, in the absence of transparency about the disciplinary measures taken against the editorial team, as unjust. We urge Bloomberg to reconsider its decision to dismiss Jacobs, as the decision to break the embargo should have been overseen or approved by management. Although breaking the embargo was a serious error with potentially dangerous consequences, it seems excessively harsh for Jacobs to bear the full brunt of the punishment. We call on Bloomberg to clarify the reasons behind Jacobs' dismissal and to disclose any actions taken, if any, against more senior staff members involved.
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