February 3, 1998

MSNBC

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MSNBC
Gates entered the news control business when Microsoft Network teamed with National Broadcasting Corporation in this twin joint venture, a 24-hour cable TV news channel and Web site. Every story that mentions the naughty word “Microsoft”—it’s mentioned quite a lot—carries the disclaimer “Microsoft is a partner in the joint venture that operates MSNBC.” The editors must understand the glaring conflict of interest inherent in reporting on their boss, so they absolve themselves with 10 words and an acronym. The declaration doesn’t work—it just proves the editors know they can’t be objective with their reporting.

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4 DAYS LEFT—AND EVERYTHING RIDING ON IT

A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just 4 days left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

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