Journalist to Donate U.S. Pay to Charity

From Helen Aguirre Ferre, Diario Las Americas

A Sept. 8 Miami Herald article questioned the acceptance of a small honorarium for my appearances on TV Martí. I believed that the honorarium was appropriate as an expense stipend from a news organization and, therefore, did not consider it a conflict of interest to have accepted such payments.

Upon further reflection I realize, in light of the government's role in Radio and TV Martí, that the receipt of such payment may raise questions from members of our journalism community whom I respect and hold in high regard.

I do not wish for any action that I have taken to cast into question my journalistic integrity, although I know that my integrity and objectivity were, in fact, never compromised.

As such, I have decided to contribute the honorarium to La Liga Contra el Cáncer, which is dedicated to the care of patients for their treatment of cancer.

It is my desire to put this matter behind me as my conscience is clear that there is no price for my opinions.

HELEN AGUIRRE FERRE, Opinion page editor, Diario Las Américas, Miami

Comments

[a thought...]

Speaking as a granddaughter who lost both grandmothers to cancer, I thank you.

[Manuel A. Tellechea]

Helen Aguirre Ferré is a very wealthy woman. Her father is the owner of Diario las Américas. She can well afford to forgo any fees paid to her by Radio Martí. But if she is suggesting by her action that the other victims of this smear-campaign should follow her example, I say forget it. Some people actually have to work for a living. Having just been fired, the former Herald reporters are in no position to display Mrs. Ferré's largesse.