Why Is the New York Times Partnering With Shell Oil?
The New York Times often covers Shell Oil’s misdeeds and questionable choices, which in past years have included drilling in the arctic and denying human rights abuses in Nigeria. The oil industry is undeniably contentious and filled with scandals and coverups—all the more reason for the Times to write about it. But how can the Times remain objective when it is partnering with Shell Oil on an energy conference?
Shell is teaming up with the Times (as a media partner) for its 2011 Energy Summit next month in Houston, Texas. The summit will reportedly feature a keynote address from Bill Richardson, the former Governor of New Mexico, as well as an “intimate conversation” with former Times columnist Frank Rich and an inside look at Shell’s Eco-Marathon, which challenges high school and college students to build energy-efficient vehicles.
