Tears to a glass eye

The London Evening Standard has banned journalists from using taxis apart from in “exceptional circumstances” and will refuse to pay for meals with contacts unless they are proven to generate stories, according to MediaGuardian. As part of an expenses clampdown, effective immediately, editorial staff must get clearance before buying meals for contacts and, if authority is given, will need to stick to a £50 budget. An Associated Newspapers‘ memo also said journalists needed permission for the purchase of “more than a few drinks.” To be fair, the death of expense account financed second homes is long overdue so I’d drink to its passing – but fifty quid doesn’t go far in the watering holes around High Street Kensington. 

~ by Stephen Walker on November 24, 2007.