Matthews’ Rubber Stamp Breaks NBC Rules

Matthews' Rubber Stamp Breaks NBC Rules

In 2002, Howard Kurtz reported in the Washington Post:

I’ve been critical of journalistic buckraking
since the mid-1990s, when I wrote about a $30,000 speech that Sam Donaldson
had given to an insurance group…The issue began to fade as a number
of news organizations, including ABC and NBC, banned the practice.

Three trade associations independently confirmed to
ThinkProgress that Matthews spoke for hefty fees on several occasions, as
recently as last year:

- The National Venture Capital Assocation (NVCA) confirmed
that Matthews spoke at its 2005 Annual Meeting. NVCA told Think Progress that
it booked Matthews through the Washington Speakers Bureau and that he received
a fee of approximately $35,000. He received speaking fees from NCVA on at
least two other occasions.

- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
confirmed that Matthews spoke at its 2001 Annual Meeting. NACDS said it booked
Matthews through the Washington Speakers Bureau and that he received a fee
for speaking.

- The American Hospital Association (AHA) confirmed
that Matthews spoke at its 2005 Annual Meeting. AHA said it booked Matthews
through the Washington Speakers Bureau and that he received a fee for speaking.

EXCLUSIVE:
Matthews
Received $35K In Speaking Fees
In Violation Of NBC
Policy

American Progress followed up on Dave
Johnson's reporting, getting the goods on Chris Matthews. His obvious acquiescence
to Republicans is all about cash.

I've had many a beef with the
peahen of NBC. I think he's helping his brother run for office in Pennsylvania
instead of doing his job. His recent sucking
up to Smerconish is obscene.

Let's face it, Stretch
he ain't.