In response to the day's hottest topic, Marcus Brauchli declared "newsroom independence" via an internal memo distributed only 30 minutes ago. We've got it. See below:

From: Marcus Brauchli Sent: 07/02/2009 10:33 AM EDT To: NEWS Subject: Newsroom Independence

Colleagues,

A flyer was distributed this week offering an "underwriting opportunity" for a dinner on health-care reform, in which the news department had been asked to participate.

The language in the flyer and the description of the event preclude our participation.

We will not participate in events where promises are made that in exchange for money The Post will offer access to newsroom personnel or will refrain from confrontational questioning. Our independence from advertisers or sponsors is inviolable.

There is a long tradition of news organizations hosting conferences and events, and we believe The Post, including the newsroom, can do these things in ways that are consistent with our values.

Marcus