MediaWatch: June 1, 1998
Table of Contents:
- MediaWatch: June 1, 1998
- If you Impugn, You Are Immune
- NewsBites: The Alexis Nexus
- TV, Print Outlets Slow to Recognize China Missile Scoop
- OverHolster Overhauled
- Revolving Door: NBC's China Waiver Saver
Revolving Door: NBC's China Waiver Saver
A former NBC News VP lobbied the Clinton team to grant Loral
the waiver at the center of the China connection scandal, the
papers the White House released May 22 disclosed. Writing about the
efforts made by Loral Chairman Bernard Schwartz to secure approval
from the President for the deal with China, Washington Post reporters Roberto Suro and John F. Harris relayed May 23:
"The documents indicate that Schwartz, who has given more than $1
million to the Democratic Party since 1995, planned to raise the
issue directly with National Security Adviser Samuel R. 'Sandy'
Berger at a state dinner for British Prime Minister Tony Blair
on Feb. 5. However, Loral Vice President Thomas Ross wrote to
Berger a week later that Schwartz 'missed you in the crowd' and
was not able to make his case. Instead, Ross, who served as a
senior National Security Council official earlier in the
Clinton administration, pleaded in his Feb. 13 letter for
speedy action by the President: 'If a decision is not forthcoming in the
next day or so we stand to lose the contract,' Ross wrote. 'In
fact, even if the decision is favorable, we will lose
substantial amounts of money with each passing day.' Five days
later, Clinton granted his approval, despite what Berger
advised him were Justice concerns that the move 'could have a
significant adverse impact' on its ongoing criminal
investigation....'"
Ross did hold a top position with the NSC,
Senior Director for Public Affairs, a slot he occupied in
1994-95 until he jumped to Loral as VP for government
relations. What the Post failed to note: Ross served as
Senior VP of NBC News from 1986-89 and that wasn't his first
swing through the revolving door. When President Carter took office Ross
left his position as Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago
Sun-Times to become Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public
Affairs.
