Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) journalist Stephen Smart didn’t anticipate that getting married would get him in hot water with his employer. However, Smart, a reporter in the British Columbia provincial legislature, married Rebecca Scott, the Premier’s deputy press secretary. Shortly thereafter, the marriage came to the attention of the CBC ombudsperson, who declared that Smart was in a conflict of interest position, and that it was not possible for him to be fair and impartial in his reporting concerning the Premier, given his wife’s close connection to her. Mr. Smart’s regional director, noting that no evidence of partiality had been presented, explained that ground rules had been established with him regarding his reporting and that no other action would be taken.

Who are the stakeholders in this ethical scenario?

What kinds of role conflicts are operating here?

Should Smart continue on the provincial legislature beat, or is this ethically unacceptable?