I take very strong exception to the way you handled Tim Jones’ story, “Million-Dollar Misbehavior” (Perspective, Aug. 24).
By including a photo of Bob Allen, AT&T’s chairman and CEO, in the rogue’s gallery of corporate leaders whose “private lives” merit “public scrutiny,” the clear implication is that he is guilty of being drunk and disorderly, or worse.
The Tribune clearly has the right to criticize the corporate decision-making process, financial performance or general policies and procedures of AT&T or any other company. And you clearly have the right to question the business judgment of corporate leaders.
But I believe you go over the edge when you suggest character defects in a CEO who is widely acknowledged–even by those who vigorously disagree with some of his business decisions–to be a role model of both professional and personal integrity and high ethical standards.
To be fair, Mr. Jones’ story criticizes some of Mr. Allen’s business decisions but does not suggest any personal misbehavior on his part. Unfortunately, your headline writers and layout people took care of that character attack quite nicely. I believe an apology is in order.
