Scientific journals with editorial independence: an endangered species?
Editorial freedom is one essential component in guaranteeing honesty and integrity in the standards of publishing scientific material. Two recent episodes, in which editors of leading weekly general medical journals have been removed from office by editorial management boards, represent a direct assault on this concept. These events, in combination with many other pervasive and traducing influences, especially of a commercial and financial nature, imply that editorial freedom cannot be guaranteed, even in medical and scientific publishing.
Smith
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University Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.