Boston Globe backs ‘Spotlight’ star editor Brendan – Business News
Boston Globe brass cleared star “Spotlight” editor Brendan McCarthy of workplace-misconduct allegations this spring after an inside probe sparked by workers complaints that he allegedly berated colleagues.
At least two Globe journalists filed written complaints to go of human sources Rohini Murthy earlier this 12 months accusing McCarthy of verbal harassment tied to editorial disputes, Semafor reported, citing eight present and former staffers.
The accusations included claims that McCarthy cursed at members of the investigative unit and workers on Spotlight-related tasks, and that one worker alleged he lowered the roles of colleagues who complained about his management.
McCarthy instructed co-workers he was annoyed that reporters and producers weren’t receptive to suggestions on key particulars of delicate tasks, the outlet mentioned.
Boston Globe “Spotlight” editor Brendan McCarthy was cleared of misconduct after a Boston Globe HR probe into workers complaints, in response to a report. Boston Globe
Human sources opened a formal inquiry, during which McCarthy acknowledged being blunt however denied crossing office strains, in response to Semafor.
By late spring, the Globe concluded McCarthy hadn’t violated company guidelines and imposed no self-discipline, Semafor reported.
The paper mentioned in a assertion to Semafor that whereas its coverage is to not talk about particular person incidents, it had investigated the allegations towards McCarthy and “decided no additional motion was warranted.’
Complaints described McCarthy cursing at colleagues and allegedly sidelining workers who challenged his management. Facebook/Brendan McCarthy
A Globe spokesperson added in a assertion to Semafor: “Our award-winning Spotlight team undertakes important and impactful work that is a large part of our commitment to providing readers with trusted news and information.”
“We recognize the dedication and leadership that Spotlight Editor Brendan McCarthy contributes to this effort, and his track record as a respected colleague in the newsroom and industry speaks for itself,” the paper mentioned.
A Globe spokesperson referred The Post to its assertion to Semafor.
Nancy Barnes, the newspaper’s editor, instructed Semafor that she was “incredibly proud of the important and difficult work that Spotlight is tackling under Brendan’s leadership.”
At least two Globe journalists wrote to HR chief Rohini Murthy accusing McCarthy of verbal harassment tied to editorial disputes. AP
“I am fortunate to have him on my team,” Barnes mentioned of McCarthy.
Semafor mentioned it spoke with more than a dozen present and former Globe journalists. Some described McCarthy as crossing strains with workers whereas others forged him as a demanding editor targeted on outcomes.
The dispute performed out because the Globe leans on Spotlight’s model for high-impact investigations below proprietor and writer John Henry, Semafor famous.
The unit’s legacy was immortalized within the Oscar-winning 2015 movie “Spotlight,” which dramatized the workforce’s Pulitzer Prize–profitable investigation into clergy intercourse abuse in Boston.
The unit’s popularity was cemented by the Oscar-winning movie “Spotlight,” which chronicled its clergy abuse exposé. Courtesy Everett Collection
McCarthy, a 2004 Emerson College graduate, leads the storied unit that received the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for “Blind Spot,” which uncovered failures to keep harmful drivers off the highway.
The Globe’s workers web page lists him as Spotlight editor and notes his function overseeing the workforce that captured the prize.
This 12 months, McCarthy’s workforce printed “Snitch City,” a multipart investigation into police misuse of confidential informants throughout Massachusetts, together with a podcast collection.
The “Snitch City” project triggered pushback from New Bedford officers and a management change inside the police division, in response to Globe protection tied to the collection.
