Citigroup and Bartiromo together again: Bad judgement or much ado about nothing?
Today on CNBC during Closing Bell, Maria Bartiromo and Dylan Ratigan interviewed former Citigroup Chairman and CEO Sanford Weill about Citigroup personel moves and the company’s philanthropy. Part one can be viewed here. Part 2 here. Some people are going to point to the recent Citigroup scandal involving Bartiromo and wonder why on earth she’s anywhere near this interview. Others will point out that the interview wasn’t with anyone who currently works at CNBC as Weill is no longer Chairman and CEO and therefore there’s nothing wrong with it. What do you think?
First off, Spud, I think you meant to say “…wasn’t with anyone who currently works at Citigroup…” Unless Maria Bartiromo’s been fired and you had the news first, that is. :-) But no, Bartiromo shouldn’t have had anything to do with this interview.
How many times has a CNBC anchor or reporter said that some executive, investor or politician has an “appearance of impropriety”? As far as I’m concerned, CNBC just forfeited its right to use that phrase in discussing anyone, anytime, for any reason.
Comment by David — February 26, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
This interview is not exactly good for public relations.
Comment by Bob — February 27, 2007 @ 1:35 am
Just seems like a dumb thing to do. Look, I don’t think she carries a bias (I watched, didn’t seem slanted) - but sometimes you have to concern yourself with perception.
Would this have been OK in a year? Probably. Right now? Seems odd…
Comment by Don — February 27, 2007 @ 2:04 am