The WSJ-NYT Smackdown

This morning the New York Times' David Carr accused the Wall Street Journal of moving its news division to the right under the ownership of Rupert Murdoch.
The WSJ's Managing Editor Robert Thomson responded:

From: Thomson, Robert
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 11:06 AM
Subject: Statement by Robert Thomson on The New York Times
The news column by a Mr David Carr today is yet more evidence that The New York Times is uncomfortable about the rise of an increasingly successful rival while its own circulation and credibility are in retreat. The usual practice of quoting ex-employees was supplemented by a succession of anonymous quotes and unsubstantiated assertions. The attack follows the extraordinary actions of Mr Bill Keller, the Executive Editor, who, among other things, last year wrote personally and at length to a prize committee casting aspersions on Journal journalists and journalism. Whether it be in the quest for prizes or in the disparagement of competitors, principle is but a bystander at The New York Times.
Robert Thomson, Editor-in-Chief, Dow Jones.