The Post covers its own controversy surrounding plans to host lobbyists, journalists, and government officials (for a fee.)

Even without the newsroom’s participation, the aggressively worded pitch conveys the impression that The Post is offering special interests access to administration officials and lawmakers, raising a separate set of concerns about a dubious partnership with those covered by the newspaper. The Post often questions whether corporations, unions and trade associations receive access or favors in return for campaign contributions.

The Times reports that the Post’s “salon” program to facilitate contact between lobbyists and officeholders and officials has been canceled.

A flier sent to potential sponsors of the first such event, set for July 21 at the home of the publisher, Katharine Weymouth, promised off-the-record, nonconfrontational conversation with Post reporters and editors, Obama administration officials and members of Congress, according to Politico.com, which first reported the story Thursday morning.

According to another Times piece, the White House sent a letter or email to the “Obama administration” describing an online form invitees can use to submit requests to attend events.  No word on which Obama administration officials had already accepted invitations to the events, if any.  Rahm Emanuel denied being invited, according to the Times.