Frankly, at this point I'm not sure if it is significant, based on the fact it is such a large, mainstream publication (or was pre-internet days), or not for reasons you state. Obviously if other WP:RS mention this, as they may over time, it would become more significant. After I get more general input on COI issues below, and if no NPOV editors opine (including on other issues that might come up), it can be brought to the proper forum for opinions.