Newspapers are hurting, as evidenced by the recently confirmed layoffs at Gannet. And I'm all for getting creative to find a new revenue model that works. But this, I think, crosses a line into dangerous territory.

The WP is selling "Access to" movers and shakers by hosting "Private Salons" with Congressmen, Administration officials and their own reporters. The asking price: $25,000 per head. The target audience: lobbyists.

Sad thing is, it's not a terrible idea in Theory. I think the Post, as a newspaper serving the D.C. area is the PERFECT entity to host a roundtable or conference on issues like healthcare reform, the economy, etc. Bring everyone together to seen if they can hash out some sort of middle ground.

Yes. Sure. Go for it.

But to host private, off-the-record sit-downs, and bill them blatantly as a way to buy access to influential people...um...no. That's not journalism. That's influence peddling. 

I also wonder what it would do to their relationships with those whose influence they are peddling...their sources in the white house and congress. Seems like a great way to destroy your credibility with everyone in one mighty blow.