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In reply to the discussion: The Inside Story of Matt Taibbi's Departure From First Look Media [View all]Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)First Look staffers finally admit Omidyar massively interfered with editorial, say Taibbi accused of sexist bullying
Well this is absolutely remarkable. Just a few days after NY Magazine reported that Matt Taibbi was on the way out of Pierre Omidyars First Look Media, Taibbis former colleagues have published what they claim is the inside story on his departure.
In the post, the First Look staffers finally admit what Pando has been reporting for months: That Omidyar exercised a ridiculous level of editorial control over First Look. That control included vetoing editorial hiring and firing and even at one stage approving reporters taxi expenses.
At the same time, Glenn Greenwald, John Cook, Laura Poitras and Jeremy Scahill claim that they have managed to find a way to insulate themselves from that interference
The Intercept has arrived at the point where it can function effectively: with full editorial freedom and an ample budget. But First Look and Taibbi failed to reach a similar mutual understanding.
They also claim that their former colleagues departure was in part prompted by Taibbis sexist bullying of another employee
These simmering problems came to a head this month when a Racket staffer complained to senior management that Taibbi had been verbally abusive and unprofessionally hostile, and that she felt the conduct may have been motivated, at least in part, by her gender.
The whole post is absolutely staggering. Were still digging into exactly what the hell is going on at First Look today and will have much more to say later today. Stay tuned.
http://pando.com/2014/10/30/first-look-staffers-finally-admit-omidyar-massively-interfered-with-editorial-say-taibbi-accused-of-sexist-bullying/