Action Follows Controversy Over Gov’t Payments
“Jesus Díaz Jr. will resign today as president of the Miami Herald Media Co. and publisher of The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald,” Martin Merzer reported today in the Herald.
“The action comes amid a widening controversy over payments accepted by some El Nuevo Herald journalists for participating in U.S.-government broadcasts on Radio Martí and TV Martí.
“The move, which ends a challenging and sometimes tumultuous 14 months as head of one of South Florida’s most visible and influential institutions, is effective immediately. David Landsberg, who served as general manager, takes over today as company president and publisher of both newspapers.
“In a letter to readers, Díaz said the company is reversing course and will grant ”amnesty” to two El Nuevo Herald reporters and a freelance contributor who were dismissed Sept. 7 when The Miami Herald reported that they received payments under contracts with Radio Martí and TV Martí.
“He also said that an internal probe determined that six other employees of the Spanish-language El Nuevo Herald received payments from Radio Martí and TV Martí during the past five years. No disciplinary action will be taken against them.
“None of the nine or anyone else at the company can accept money from the U.S. government-run broadcasters in the future, Díaz said, and conflict-of-interest policies will be strengthened throughout the company. “
- Jesus Díaz Jr., Miami Herald: A letter to readers from Jesus Díaz
- Adrian Sainz, Associated Press: Miami Herald publisher resigns due to government payments scandal
- Reader comments to South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Support letter for fired El Nuevo Herald Journalists