An editorial administering a verbal spanking to Carl Byoir and Associates is published in the current issue of Editor and Publisher under the title, “Nazi Stingers Stung.” Members of the publicity firm testified before the House committee investigating subversive propaganda that their organization had collected $108,000 under a contract to publicize Nazi policies in the United States.
Criticizing what is termed the “come-on” game, the editorial denounces publicity agents who serve “sucker diplomats and business people who harbor the fatuous notion that for a few thousand dollars one can buy public opinion attitudes through an easily exploited press.” The editorial adds that Byoir knew when he made the contract with Germany that newspapers would not print his pamphlets.
“He fairly rolls in money,” continues Editor and Publisher, “and if you will stop and listen he will tell you of his riches in terms to make any racketeer turn green with envy. You can never tell where Byoir will break out next. We have seen him in the magazine business, the patent medicine game, with Creel on the committee on public information, tied in with eminent advertising people to cooperate with the A. F. of L. and thus magically restore national prosperity in time of deep depression…. The boy is full of bright ideas.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
