Parsing Marcus Brauchli: My Hands Are Clean

Even though "Parsing Brauchli" sounds more like something Jamie Oliver would do, the departure letter from the Wall Street Journal managing editor demands a flack's translation.

Brauchli: To the Staff:

Translation: Hey guys, guess what?

Brauchli: A year ago, I was appointed managing editor, and we set off together on a great journey.

Translation: Man, I was so excited.

Brauchli: We faced uncertainty about our ownership, inclement conditions in our industry and consensus that change was necessary.

Translation: It was the job I always wanted... at the worst time in history.

Brauchli: And so we chose a path of transformation.

Translation: I was determined not to be "the old guard."

Brauchli: We rethought the central tenets of our approach, with the aim of making a great news organization even better.

Translation: We ditched Steiger's most conservative rules.

Brauchli: During this time of transition, we have not strayed from our mission, producing engaging journalism that illuminates and informs our world.

Translation: Our stated mission can be interpreted any way we want.

Brauchli: Our reporters, whether in Lhasa or Los Angeles, Washington or Wall Street, are courageous, resourceful and infinitely talented. Our editing, graphics and production staff, too, are brilliant, creative and deeply dedicated.

Translation: I like all of you very much. You are my friends.

Brauchli: I am proud to have been part of this exceptionally talented team.

Translation: My bio now includes "WSJ Managing Editor."

Brauchli: But now that the ownership transition has taken place, I have come to believe the new owners should have a managing editor of their choosing.

Translation: I was offered a deal.

Brauchli: So, today, I am resigning.

Translation: It's a much better deal than the one that would have been offered next.

Brauchli: I revere this institution and respect all of my colleagues, both old and new.

Translation: The deal had a detailed non-disparagement section.

Brauchli: When News Corp bought Dow Jones, together we crafted an editorial agreement designed to protect our independence.

Translation: We also sprinkled magic dust around the building to ward off evil spirits.

Brauchli: The agreement was designed to block commercial or political interference in our journalism and to ensure we adhered to our code of conduct.

Translation: It was shaped like a fig leaf.

Brauchli: Since the acquisition last December, the new management scrupulously has avoided imposing any political or business viewpoints on our coverage and rigorously has enforced the code of conduct.

Translation: Thus far, the interventions have been limited to form, not actual content.

Brauchli: I am confident that our journalistic integrity remains intact and that News Corp. is committed to a Journal that is vibrant, vital and preeminent in American journalism.

Translation: My hands are clean. "Vibrant, vital and preeminent" also describes Tide detergent.

Brauchli: Under the terms of the editorial agreement, our independence is enforced by a Special Committee.

Translation: It is fully supplied with magic dust.

Brauchli: I have met with and conveyed my thoughts to the Special Committee.

Translation: It felt really good.

Brauchli: Many thanks for your extraordinary dedication and support in this last year.

Translation: Thanks for your loyalty. You understand, don't you?

Brauchli: I have no doubt the journey we embarked on together will continue to bring Journal readers the best in journalism and you and the Journal continued success.

Translation: Our competitors are devolving just as fast as we are. Readership will grow.

Brauchli: Regards, Marcus

Translation: Let's not get too sentimental.

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