ROBIN ROBERTS' role as MC during Sunday's fund-raiser
at MSG for Democratic presidential candidate BILL BRADLEY
"raised questions about a journalist's crossing into the
realm of politics," according to Richard Sandomir of the
N.Y. TIMES. Roberts "has achieved a great level of
credibility" in her role on ESPN, ABC Sports and ABC's "Good
Morning America," but her "decision to be host of a
political rally, even one with a sports theme, left her open
to second-guessing." Roberts did not seek permission from
ESPN or ABC Sports to participate in the event, but she said
yesterday, "I wouldn't have done it if I knew how it would
be perceived. I have to be more aware of this in the
future." Roberts: "It seemed like a sporting event. If it
were anywhere else but [MSG], I wouldn't have done it. ...
But if I am going to continue to do things for ABC News, I
realize I can't do this type of thing anymore." Sandomir:
"This isn't a huge issue, nor should it be made into one."
The chance to "associate with a candidate whose views you
agree with is surely a temptation. But one that should be
resisted. When sports news touches on politics at ABC, how
much will Roberts's candidate endorsement have undermined
her objectivity?" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/16).
