Will the Times Leader be turned into a bar?

Looking at how the city of Raleigh, N.C., turned the old Raleigh Times building into a bar and neighboring coffee shop, we could easily see the same thing happening at 15 N. Main St. Check out the interesting story from the News & Observer about what happened down in North Carolina.

Chris Kelly is new assistant metro editor at Scranton Times

Chris Kelly is the newspaper's columnist -- the designated in-print defender of the newspaper and its policies -- who recently won an APME award. If you are a fan of RSS, then you know that once a week the Scranton Times Web site fills the feed with 200+ Kelly columns, labeling them all as unread, which is a pain in the ass. Click above to read Chris Kelly's award list.

Kelly defends the newspaper against allegations that it tried to bury a Times Leader story about Times M.E. Bob Burke's DUI arrest (2000):
http://www.scrantontimestribune.com/stories/kelly/683.htm

Kelly defends the newspaper against allegations that it is in league with Bob Casey with the Better Together billboards:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=15070113&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=8

Scranton Times doesn't do so hot at APME awards

The Scranton Times only got two APME awards compared to the Times Leader's five. The Citizens' Voice got zero. It's all bullshit anyway, but still telling. Fact: Erin Nissley, now of the Times, won THREE awards for her work at the KR-owned Centre Daily Times. Nichole Dobo, now of the CV, also won for CDT work, and Scranton Times photographer Jason Farmer won for work at the Pocono Record.

The Scranton Times awards were picked up by Chris Kelly for Iraq stuff and by Jim Haggerty and Stacy Brown for Everhart stuff.

Big Sunday TL takout on potential sale to the newspaper union

A very even-handed take from Renita Fennick, who has worked at both the TL and the CV. Well done. Recommended reading for anyone following the situation in Wilkes-Barre.

NEPA hits daily double on obscurestore.com

The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader and the Scranton Times-Tribune hit the NEPA media daily double on Friday when both papers had stories on Jim Romenesko's obscurestore.com odd news Web site. The Terrie Morgan-Besecker TL story about Steve Sembrat's brain tumor = desire to tie up underage girls and the Kris Fedysky Scranton Times story about a dog found faceless in a frying pan were the big winners.

CV: We're native, we're positive, we love you

The Citizens' Voice published a staff editorial Thursday taking a couple shots at the Times Leader and defended the Lynett family, its owner. A translation follows.

CV: "There are some who say you can only be a great local newspaper if you always look for the dark cloud around every silver lining."

TRANSLATION: We're a weak, soft newspaper.

CV: "Today, almost all of our employees and their families are lifelong local residents."

TRANSLATION: People not born in the Wy-Val are not to be trusted.

You get the idea.

Times Leader wins APME awards

Not that big a deal; those are the sort of competitions where awards are measured by the pound. But kudos nevertheless to Aimee Dilger, S. John Wilkin, Dave Janoski, and Jean LaCoe.

The message board is up and running

The NEPA media message board, which wasn't always working while this site was on 'soft launch' for the last couple months, is up and running. Click on the link on the right-hand side of the page (or the headline of this item). Though it is an anonymous message board, try to moderate your comments and avoid libel, slander, etc., etc., etc.

WNEP asks if Wilkes-Barre can support two papers

The answer, in short, is no. But there's a lot about Wilkes-Barre that doesn't make sense. Sorry this is a day late. If only the WNEP link had a clip of Golas and Iseman talking....

TL's Sembrat blames love for young girls on a brain tumor

Funny, he forgot to mention it to the judge. Terrie Morgan-Besecker's story about Sembrat's guilty plea is good stuff from beginning to end.

Allentown Morning Call: Sale changes face of PA newspapering

Good story about the Pennsylvania implications of the sale. It notes that the Lynetts are acquisition-minded.

Steve Sembrat, former TL reporter, cops a plea

Lost in the madness today was news that Steve Sembrat, the Times Leader sports reporter who wanted to tie up underage girls and pleasure himself, copped a plea to attempted IDSI down in Delaware County, outside Philly. That pre-sentence investigation ought to be a fun read. Sembrat will go down in history as the guy who, when arrested, called Iseman to confess.

Lynetts: We're interested in buying TL

Pat McHugh wouldn't talk to the CV's Tim Gulla, which makes sense since Larry Beaupre won't talk to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader. In any case, Scott Lynett says his family is always interested in buying shit.

TL antitrust story: No problems for the Scranton Times

Dave Janoski notes that the Lynetts of Scranton Times fame are obvious potential buyers, and that they have a nice little empire already.

TL staff edit: It's the community's future on the line

More shots at the CV, more talk about how the TL is a paragon of virtue while everyone else is a pretender. Hey, editorial writers, even if you don't plan on working for the Lynetts, some of your employees do. You might keep that in mind.

Golas, Iseman, tee off on Scranton Times

I guess Matt Golas and Dave Iseman aren't planning on working in a Times-Shamrock regime. Lapdog? And then there's the line about tooth-spitting movie fights. "The fight is in our genes. Remember we were miners once, tough, religious, stoic folk." What? Stoic folk? In our genes? Who the fuck is writing this shit, Steve Corbett? It's a newspaper, not Cindarella Man.

TL's local story on McClatchy not wanting it

Ron Bartizek does a decent job, quoting two employees (including MTB) and mentioning that the Scranton Times is waiting in the wings. Still, not very hard-hitting. Didn't bother to question the publisher about anything -- including Pat McHugh's golden parachute. Now, THAT would be hard-hitting.

McClatchy: It's Wilkes-Barre that sucks, not the TL

That's what oft-quoted analyist Lauren Rich Fine says in an AP story that is pretty insightful.

That's all she wrote: McClatchy to buy KR, sell off dogs like the Times Leader

Goodbye Pat McHugh, hello Scott Lynett. I hope Iseman has some money saved up.

Iseman: My kid can wrestle and play chess

It's the feel-good column of the year.

Hard to predict the future if the TL is sold

That's the bottom line of this Times Leader story by Jerry Lynott that really doesn't say much of anything.

TL's Matt Golas: It's been tense here in the newsroom

Golas is polite when he calls the upcoming Profile section "unique." It's a unique pain in the ass, that's what it is.

Frank Andrews off the air at WYOU

Only in Scranton would a likely candidate for office be allowed to work as a TV news director and reporter for weeks -- weeks! -- before he's taken off the air. And, of course, he's mad that he was taken off the air. And he's on paid leave. Of course. The people who run WYOU should be ashamed of themselves.

TL's Matt Golas: Potential Knight Ridder sale creates uncertainty

Matt Golas takes a couple shots at the Lynetts up in Scranton. He better hope he's not asking the Lynetts for a job in a month. "While we don’t compete with The Times-Tribune on every story we cover, we do take them on in coverage of statewide issues such as politics, health care and government. Remember the Don Sherwood scandal? We covered it. They did not. Enough said?" Zing!

Froggy 101, 98.5 KRZ named in payola scandal

That's according to New York Attorney General Eliot Spritzer. Who knows if it's true, of if it sticks. Maybe Spritzer will start asking how Donna Talarico can write for the Weekender and Times Leader about Froggy 101 while working in the station's marketing department.

Judge cites grand jury leak to Scranton Times in decision

Lackawanna County Judge Vito Geroulo, in denying a Scranton Times request for information about a grand jury he is supervising, notes that leaks to the newspaper have jeopardized the prison corruption cases -- and gotten the newspaper in all kinds of hot water.

Scranton Times/WYOU/WBRE raise lots of cash for tsunami victims

$271,000, in fact. Larry Beaupre of the Times and WYOU's Frank Andrews are very happy.

The CV's Mike McGlynn attacks W-B City Hall for media policy

It's wordy and rambling and refers to the ancient Greeks, Gen. McArthur and the 1991 Joann Curley case. But it's interesting if you've been following the new Wilkes-Barre city policy that requires all questions to go through an '05 Wilkes grad.

Kudos (kind of) for Borys Krawczeniuk's Roderick Random

Nice work by Borys Krawczerniuk's Roderick Random in Saturday's Scranton Times-Tribune, acknowledging in a column about the Santorum-Casey senate race that the Lynett family, publishers of the Times-Tribune, have substantial business ties with Casey and have given Casey tens of thousands of dollars.

It's 'kind of' praise, however, because much of the reporting came from a Philadelphia Daily News story published Feb. 23. Not a lot of original work for a story taking place -- literally -- in front of the Times building. Here's the Daily News story:

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/13937706.htm

Click here to read the TL message boards

The boards are populated by people too dumb to dial the Sayso number. Read and shudder.

Madman arrested for making threats on TL message board

Ray Mazzarella ticked off someone, because his exhortations on the Times Leader's Web page forum (who knew there was such a thing?) to shoot government officials have landed him in hot water with the federal court in Scranton. The guy seems to have taught at King's a bit and is active in VA affairs. Anyone know anything else about him? nepamedia@gmail.com

Steve Corbett revisits South Wilkes-Barre

Did anyone else see this back in August 2005? Steve Corbett, former TL columnist, came back to Wilkes-Barre for a week and wrote about the changes since he was "disappeared" a few years back and headed west to the Santa Maria Times (where former TL publisher Mark Contreas runs the show). Click above for the full read.

Bill O'Reilly's WNEP background: EXPOSED

It's not James Frey, but The Smoking Gun dug up an old TV Times cover photo of O'Reilly, circa 1975 or so. Talk about low rent. Also an ambitious letter pining to get out of coal country.

Former WNEP sports guy running for office in Houston

Dan Patrick -- no, not THAT Dan Patrick -- is running for the Texas legislature. Amid his bankruptcy and failed business deals is the fact that he worked at WNEP-TV back in 1978. He's now a talk radio guy in Houston.

Check this bio on Patrick:
http://www.aimpress.com/patrickbio.htm

Patrick's blog, "keeping tabs on Houston's leading misinformation source," the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chronicallybiased.com/

Another wire story on the proposed KR sale

Don't count on a story about the potential effect on the TL or Wilkes-Barre, though. Never happen. The first (and last) thing published will be a press release from the new owner.

The CV, too, notes all the reporters at the Hugo trial

But the CV forgot to ask the names of their sources.

W-B city councilman questions media restrictions

Another person questioning the wisdom of making all reporters in Wilkes-Barre go through a 2005 Wilkes communications grad for non-police/fire interviews. "“We cannot have individuals walking into offices during the middle of the workday,” Mayor Tom Leighton says. F-ing press!

Former TLer Steve Corbett spanks editor Matt Golas

It was hard to miss in Wednesday's newsroom note Matt Golas misspelling "bureaucracy." Easier to miss was Golas referring to journalism as "the fifth estate." However, neither gaffe got past former Wilkes-Barre Times Leader columnist Steve Corbett, checking in from Santa Maria, Calif. (Maybe he knows Stacy Brown?) Golas took it all in stride and published Corbett's snarky -- but accurate -- message in Thursday's newsroom note.

Meta: Stories about the stories about the Hugo Sleneski murder trial

The Times Leader's Kevin Amerman wrote Thursday about all the Big City reporters covering the Hugo trial in Wilkes-Barre. "FOX video photographer Bryan Zilai said he can’t remember his station traveling to Wilkes-Barre for any other story in his 10 years there," according to the story. A local lawyer was even interviewed on MSNBC. Big time!

What's up with the retarded Scranton Times Web graphics?

They look like leftover eighth-grade computer class extra-credit projects, circa 1990. Please stop, whoever is behind this plot against the readers of NEPA.

A good reason to slit your wrists

This is a little old, but who can't love reading the staff bios at the Weekender, the worst entertainment weekly in America? It's shocking and appalling that five college graduates (Rachel Pugh, Tiffany Stine, Damion Pick, Katie Gross and Jenelle Price) put out such a poor excuse for a newspaper, even in Wilkes-Barre. It should be no surprise that three of them went to King's College. I hope mom and dad are happy they dropped $100,000 each so you could scam Thom Greco for free drinks, kids!

TL editor Matt Golas goes windmill-hunting

Golas drove around rural Wilkes-Barre so he could stand next to one of those giant windmills. But he apparently didn't want to walk more than 10 feet from his car, so no luck.

Former Times-Shamrock radio intern drops girl out of Harrisburg high-rise (allegedly)

Kevin Eckenrode of Scranton's Green Ridge section was charged with criminal homicide after Rachel Kozlusky's body -- clad only in panties and a sweater -- was found at the foot of Harrisburg's tallest building. Eckenrode once interned at Rock 107, owned by Times-Shamrock Communications.

What's up with the retarded Scranton Times Web graphics?

These Web graphics look like old extra-credit projects in computer class circa 1990. Please stop. You're hurting America.

Plagiarism problem for Stacy Brown of The Scranton Times?

The dohertydeceit.com message board has revealed that Stacy Brown, the City Hall reporter hired by The Scranton Times last October, was accused of plagiarism in a California lawsuit filed the month before.

Now, any asshole can file a lawsuit. And an accusation is just that -- an accusation. But the dohertydeceit.com users make the point that going from the big time to The Scranton Times smells funny. Brown better watch out; the people on that site won't be happy until they draw blood, and they hate the newspaper so much they'll do anything to draw that blood.

And Brown better have told his editors in Scranton about his legal problems before he was hired.

TL's Michele Harris calls on W-B blacks to speak up

Leading off with a quote from Mos Def, Times Leader copy editor Michele Harris concludes Black History Month with a call for black people to contribute to the op-ed page. She also notes what everyone sees but no one acknowledges -- that the Times Leader society pages are all white. If only SAYSO still existed to lampoon her well-thought column.

Chris Ritchie returns!

Former TL associate editor Chris Ritchie was at a confab at MMI prep school on Thursday night. A good time was had by all, Matt Golas reports, and refreshments were served after the event.

Lacka. Co. prison guard wants trial moved

I would, too, if I were him. The Scranton Times has staked a lot on the belief that Tolan and the other prison defendants are guilty. If they walk, heads will roll.

Even WNEP reports that WYOU's Frank Andrews might run

The only news organization we haven't heard from is... WYOU. They should be ashamed of themselves. Allowing a newsman to cover a community he's talking about representing in Harrisburg is shameful. But unsurprising.

Scranton Times carries water for TV news reader who lies about his name

The Scranton Times editorial page goes to bat for Frank Andrews, the WYOU-TV newsreader who has been lying for years about his name and now wants to run for the state legislature. Golly, we can't think of anyone more qualified for this job than... an airheaded TV guy. Sorry. Why doesn't the Times say that instead? That the people of northeastern PA deserve better? Whatever.

Matt Golas lives in elderly high-rise, likes to fish

The daily newsroom note returns after a two-week absence. Golas refers to his apartment at Provincial Tower as "loft-like." True only if Wilkes-Barre is full of "urban hipsters" and run by "progressive government."

Will WYOU's Frank Andrews use his real name on the ballot?

That's the question Borys Krawczeniuk of The Scranton Times explores in this slightly verbose story. The real question: Should Andrews/Shimkus be the news director of the local TV station if he's planning on running for office? S-h-a-d-y.

The TL's Iseman explains "alleged"

It's all about Hugo Selenski, and whether the paper has to say Hugo "allegedly" escaped even though the escape charges have been tossed. He also takes a not-so-veiled shot at DA Dave Lupas. Classy.

Case against Lackawanna Co. prison guard will go to trial

Despite the routine nature of the story, make no mistake: The reputation of The Scranton Times is riding on whether the county prison trial ends up with convictions or comes apart. Keep reading.

Matt Smith named new Electric City editor

Matt Smith, a square white guy who was working at TimeOFF Bucks County in the Philly suburbs, arrives to make the already-awful Electric City better. Hopefully. Hey, pal: Let's stop with the anyhoos, alright?

Times Leader still holding onto Hugo notes

Notes from reporter Dave Weiss and his Hugo Selenski jailhouse interviews are what prosecutors want. The interesting part of the story: It says a reporter "from another newspaper" is playing ball with the DA and handed over his notes. When the heat is on, the CV has never met an ass it wouldn't kiss.

WYOU's Frank Andrews to run for Pa. House?

Turns out he's been lying about his name all these years, and he's really. Frank Shimkus. Borys Krawczeniuk's Roderick Random has a few details. Shades of Keith Martin....

Rachel Pugh, guardian of the Weekender

The kids down at the Weekender have "reinvented" themselves for us. Joy!

"I have personally approached attractive young women in the restrooms of clubs, telling them they should be Weekender models," Rachel Pugh writes. "If you get approached, be flattered, because we’re being choosy and we want the best of the best."

Christ.

TL staffers wax nostalgic about football

Iseman talks about his kids, Jerry Lynott talks about being a wiry motherfucker in Scranton, and Golas writes "$20 bucks." So much for a Jesuit education. Seriously, a good read.

Blogger denies TL report of blogging in skivvies

Mark Cour says he's mad as hell. Not really. But he responds to Jon Fox's tale in The Times Leader of Wilkes-Barre's best-known/only blogger. Click above for the full post, but read below for the highlights.


First of all, is it a frickin' slow news day, or what? Page 1: NEPA's most notorious 'pajama blogger'??? Things were so much more exciting when the Cruds were shootin' at the Blips. If nothing else, for one day, I was making the most noise. Somethin' like that. I have reached the apex of this life and it's all A.A.R.P. from here on out.

[...]

From the e-mail inbox Did I warn you? I told you the TL interview would be a hatchet job? Tell me you WERE NOT sitting around in your undies at noon? I don't believe it. I thought the lonesome redneck thing was a put on. How's Opal?
Please advise
FXXXX

From the e-mail inbox I thought the Leader wanted to talk to you about your blog, but it was short on blog details and long on unflattering personal observations. Your reaction?
TXXX

Unflattering? I don't know about all of that. Except for mistaking a pair of shorts with pockets and a drawstring for boxers, I'd say Jon Fox called it the way he saw it. Remember, he came here totally unannounced 'cept for a knock on the door. And I invited him in before knowing who he was. And as soon as what I thought was a casual conversation shifted to being an interview, I did not object and I'll tell you why.

I know I previously alluded to this, but let's rehash it again. I thought it might be cool for the Times Leader's readers to learn that a resident of Wilkes-Barre was not clinging to the negative and all filled with gloom and doom as far as Wilkes-Barre's chances are concerned. I know that could come as a shock to those that do not live here, but I'm thoroughly tired of the activists/candidates constant painting of Wilkes-Barre as a place where there is little, or no hope. The fact is, some of us do "believe," but I think very little of that came across in the article that was published.

[...]

Any-fu>king-who, I demand satisfaction. I demand a retraction. If not, there's a local newspaper reporter who might get his skinny white ass whipped by a middle-aged housewife. She's not nearly as forgiving as I am. You have been warned.

Jon Fox on Wilkes-Barre's #1 blogger

Boxers or gym shorts? Boxers or gym shorts? Has Jon Fox ever seen boxers? Or gym shorts? Can he tell the difference? A seemingly simple question gums up an otherwise good story. Click above for the full, and worthwhile, read.

It's go time: Scranton Times shield-law appeal to be heard March 16

That is going to be one interesting Pennsylvania Superior Court appeal. The Times, which is up to its eyeballs in a shady and very probably false story that anonymously attacked two (now former) county commissioners, says it doesn't have to tell the name of its source. A local judge says they do. The reporter, Jennifer Henn, quit and is now estranged from the newspaper. March 16, Lackawanna County Courthouse. Be there. Click above for the (unbylined) story.

Local WB mgr giddy about UPB merger

Yeah, I bet things are going to work out real well. It's all effing hugs and kisses. Whatever.

Two longtime Scranton Times reporters leave

Rich Mates and Marita Lowman are both leaving the Scranton Times-Tribune for health reasons. Lowman worked at the Times Leader long ago, while Mates also worked in radio in the area.

Rich Mates story, from Dec. 31, 2005:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15847391&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6

Marita Lowman story by Chris Kelly from Dec. 17, 2005:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15772520&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=418218&rfi=6

TL editor Golas to judge: Oops, I'm sorry

TL editor Matt Golas went after a Luzerne County judge this week for the judge's allegedly mean-spirited comments in court. Turns out, the judge's remarks were "misrepresented." Spanked was Dave Weiss, who wrote the story that Golas relied on in writing his online column. Click above for Golas's mea culpa

Behind the scenes as the TL's John Fox writes a story about a blogger

We heard that a Wilkes-Barre blogger, Wilkes-Barre Online, has been writing about a story that's being written about the blogger. How meta is that? Anyway, the story hasn't run yet. But here is the tale of John Fox's entry into the guy's home, ensuing interview and photo shoot.

"But this photo shoot experience was, well...it was queer. It was almost unsettling. Why in God's (oops) name would anyone wanna spread open the morning newspaper only to find my ugly mug?" asks the blogger in his Thursday entry:
http://members.tripod.com/~wilkes-barre/index-563.html

"Much to my surprise, while we were gabbing about all things Wilkes-Barre, our intrepid reporter flipped open his pad and started taking notes. Ah, I got it. This wasn't so much a friendly get-together as it was an impromptu interview. And I had no problem with that," the blogger writes in his Wednesday entry:
http://members.tripod.com/~wilkes-barre/index-562.html

Scranton's Rock 107 makes The Office

Kudos to Times-Shamrock's Rock 107, which was mentioned on NBC's The Office minutes ago. Dwight was trying to be the 107th caller. Now, if they can only bump all those Froggy 101 bumper stickers....

TL editor tells why Calvin and Hobbes are DEAD

They sure are busting balls at the TL, what with writing at length about the comics page and all....

New editor named for Scranton's Electric City

The guy's name is Matt Smith. He works in the suburbs of Philadelphia (what exactly is the Princeton Packet?) and for Philadelphia Metro, a "huge daily newspaper" that his "huge" because it's free. And it ends up in the trash.

Sembrat trial postponed until Feb. 21

Sembrat lives to die another day. The (unbylined) story reports that he needs to undergo a psych evaluatiuon. Wouldn't -that- make weird reading....

No Sembrat news

The trial date has come and gone and there's no news about former Times Leader sports writer Steve Sembrat, accused for trying to con an underage girl (really a cop) into kinky sex. The AOPC Web site reports that the trial was indeed supposed to start on Jan. 17 in Delaware County court. What gives?

BRE, YOU, Service Electric all make nice

You knew it would turn out like this. It's great how the cable guy cries about a couple coal country TV stations being "monopolies." It seems unlikely that Service Electric has taken a vow of poverty or anything.

Whatever happened to getting the news and printing the news?

Did anyone else think this was weird today? Helping the poor is certainly a good thing. But should a newspaper reporter who writes stories about a community service agency be doling out money to that agency too? Mark Jones and the TL could use an ethics refresher. Click above to read TL editor Matt Golas tooting his own horn.

Sembrat trial?

Former Times Leader sports writer Steve Sembrat's kiddie-sex case was supposed to go to trial today. Will there be a follow-up item in the TL? Click above for the last story on the case (Dec. 14, 2005) if you want a refresher.

Rock 107 gets puff piece in Scranton Times, CV

A very "positive" story about Rock 107's numbers by radio "writer" Mary Ondrako. No mention from Ondrako that her paycheck is signed by Rock 107's owners. Of course, Ondrako famously referred to "jass music" in her column. Priceless.

Seriously: Editors of the Times and the CV should know better and remember that the appearance of impropriety is as bad as impropriety itself.

WNEP anchor to run for Pa. legislature?

Borys Krawczeniuk's Roderick Random tackled the question in his Saturday column, part of which we repost here (click above to read the whole thing):

This anchor won’t move; Swann’s bid taking flight
BY RODERICK RANDOM

The best rumor we’ve heard lately is that WNEP-TV news anchor Marisa Burke might run for state Sen. Robert J. Mellow’s seat.

“It’s crazy,” said Ms. Burke, 45, who, like Mr. Mellow, also lives in the Peckville section of Blakely. “I will tell you several people have approached me.”

Prominent political people, she said. The 22-year anchor wouldn’t say if they’re Democrats or Republicans.

“The word got out, and other people started talking about it,” she said. “I really haven’t given it much thought.”

She wouldn’t even say if she would give it serious consideration. “It’s a huge compliment to me,” she said. “I’m really flattered.”

Because of the pay raise controversy, state legislators are especially vulnerable politically this year. Mr. Mellow, the Senate Democratic leader, always has opposition, but his push for the pay raise and refusal to give back the unvouchered expenses he collected before it was repealed make him a bit more vulnerable this time around.

The other name circulating is Scranton Councilwoman Janet Evans, whose husband, Dave, has been asking about the price of billboards.

Efforts to reach Mrs. Evans this week were unsuccessful.

Rep. Sherwood won't call the TL's Iseman

The TL's managing editor goes after Sherwood -- again -- over the Cynthia Ore scandal. Newspaper good. Politician bad. We get the idea.

Times reporter's statement to special prosecutor to become public

A previously-sealed statement by Scranton Times-Tribune reporter Jennifer Henn to a special prosecutor about her dealings with the DA's office will become public, a county judge ruled Thursday. If anyone gets ahold of this, send it to nepamedia@gmail.com. The James Tolan case gets more and more interesting....

Greetings

This is the place for northeast PA media professionals to get together for news, gossip and more. Check back soon.

Diana Kurutz, formerly of the Times Leader, talks about her boob job

The former newsroom receptionist, Diana Kurutz, is quoted in a story about breast enlargements. Folks, that's what makes Wilkes-Barre tick.

WNEP broadcaster John Foster dies

Click above to read the full obit.

Times Leader pats self on back re: Sherwood

The bad thing about writing those Knight Ridder-required editor's notes is that Matt Golas ends up congratulating himself way too much. Exhibit A: The follow-up note to yesterday's story about his old boss. "This paper jumped all over the story. Feet, hands, you name it." Blah, blah.

WNEP evacuated after boiler "malfunction"

Sounds fishy. How does a boiler suck smoke into a building?

Times Leader vs. Scranton Times re: Sherwood coverage

Gene Foreman, a Philly buddy of Matt Golas, the TL's editor, has been "teaching the controversy" (ugh) regarding the Don Sherwood story to his Penns State journalism students. The TL wrote a story about it. The Scranton Times was silent. "However, he said Citizens’ Voice Managing Editor Larry Holeva’s May 8 column that stated that it “Sure can be lonely on the high road,” was not only a disingenuous statement, it also acknowledged the story existed without using the names of the participants. It was also an admission that the Scranton paper and the Citizens’ Voice sat on the story and did nothing about it, he said."

Too bad author Kris Wernowsky didn't ask Foreman how many beers he's had with Wernowsky's boss.

Another BJ for the Lynetts from their radio "writer"

I don't mean to be crude, but can May Ondrako write any more glowingly about the Lynett family, which owns her newspaper as well as some radio stations?

"FM will be uniquely segmented as well, Mr. Lynett said. "It will be caffeinated by day and decaffeinated by night," he said." WTF?????? Stop this girl. Now. Hello Lynetts: SHE IS DAMAGING YOUR CREDIBILITY. Tell your reporters to not give as much head. You'll respect them much more in the morning.

Hatchy Milatchy! Hatchy Milatchy!

Those were the days. We, too, miss the WNEP show. Love the Rosemary Clooney reference.

Meow! TL editors call Scranton editors hypocrites, sleazy, big meanies, etc. etc.

It's all about the Don Sherwood story. The Times Leader pounded it like crazy and has to justify its call. The Times-Tribune decided to wait (and wait, and wait) and has to justify its call. Editorial-page editor Jean LaCoe lets loose with both barrels. "WHAT HYPOCRITES." In all caps, even! Will Larry Beaupre and Matt Golas agree to a duel now?

"The jig is up, Times-Shamrock," the TL writes. Nice Ferris Bueller reference. Is Janoski Rooney?

Rich Mates "retires" from Scranton Times

Terry Bonifanti gives Times reporter Rich Mates a stupid sendoff, one not benefitting such a talented and well-respected reporter. She deserves something just as bad.

Local TV sports guys go to Orange Bowl

Meanwhile, the news budgets shivel and die.... "Jim Coles, Jason Knapp and Sid Michaels will celebrate the new year in a warm, sunny climate." Another sad example of what passes for journalism in the Citizens' Voice.

Judge-elect Munley: being a WYOU talking head got me elected

Out of the judge's mouth: “That was a big reason why I think I got such a big vote for judge,” Thomas Munley said. “I had the identity. Everywhere I went, people knew who I was.”

Ch-ch-changes at WNEP

Lou Abitabilo gets a promotion. Read on:

http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=NYT&script=411&layout=-6&item_id=798624

The New York Times Company Broadcast Media Group Announces Appointments
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2005--The New York Times Company Broadcast Media Group today announced appointments at two of its properties. The announcement was made by Robert Eoff, president, Broadcast Media Group. The appointments are effective January 1 and include:

Lou Abitabilo, vice president and general sales manager at WNEP in Scranton, Penn., will become the executive vice president and station manager. He will report to Lou Kirchen, president and general manager of WNEP and divisional vice president of the Broadcast Media Group.

[...]

"I'm pleased to recognize the tremendous accomplishments and years of service to our Broadcast Media Group that Lou and Wes have contributed," said Mr. Eoff. "As we extend our broadcast reach they will remain instrumental to the success of our Group."

Mr. Abitabilo joined WNEP in 2001. Previously he worked in multiple television positions in New York City, including director of sales for WNBC, executive vice president at Bohbot Communications, vice president and general sales manger for programming at WNYW/FOX 5, director for national sales at FoxNet, and regional vice president for citysearch.com. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Baruch College in 1972.

Sexy as defined by WNEP's Julie Sidoni

Hey - she's the one who agreed to the interview.


http://www.timesleader.com/mld/weekender/entertainment/13466370.htm

Some like it hot, some are hot
NEPA’s sexiest people tell us what pushes their buttons
The Weekender, Dec. 21, 2005
By Alan K. Stout and Leslie Martin

[...]

Julie Marie Sidoni
Age: 27
Occupation: Anchor/reporter at WNEP-TV
Hometown: St. Marys, Pennsylvania

What, in your opinion, defines sexy, or makes someone sexy?

Confidence, for sure. Everybody has attributes and positives. Knowing what they are and how to be confident about them is definitely sexy. And being able to laugh, not taking yourself too seriously – that ‘s a bigggie. Nobody’s that important in the grand scheme of things.

What do you find unattractive in a person, or un-sexy?

Looks-wise? Sexy to me is a little more clean-cut. I’m not really into guys with hair that’s longer than mine. Personality-wise, un-sexy is someone whose attempt at humor comes at the expense of someone else.

Who do you find sexy?

Pierce Brosnan (no explanation needed there), Sting (the songs alone melt me, but the black leather pants aren’t bad either), Diana Krall (such a beautiful woman and the greatest husky jazz voice ever.)

Times goes "big time" when reporter appears as MSNBC talking head

Is it really newsworthy, in 2005, when someone is interviewed on TV? And what kind of "family friend" goes on national television to talk about his "friend's" family problems?

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/printerFriendly.cfm?brd=2185&dept_id=415898&newsid=15791429

By Terry Bonifanti
The Times-Tribune
Dec. 21, 2005

Monitoring Michael from Electric City

It’s a long way from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch to Scranton, but Times-Tribune staff writer and MSNBC analyst Stacy Brown still manages to keep close tabs on the King of Pop’s trials and tribulations. Stacy, a Jackson family friend and author of “Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask,” shared his insights on the Gloved One’s latest woes with MSNBC viewers Tuesday morning.

Appearing via satellite from NBC affiliate WBRE-TV’s Wilkes-Barre studios, Stacy was asked by MSNBC’s Randy Meier and Amy Robach about a report that Debbie Rowe, Mr. Jackson’s ex-wife, filed legal papers accusing the singer of abducting their two children and taking them to Bahrain.

“Debbie has been all over the map on this. One minute, she wants custody; the next minute, she doesn’t. ... You just don’t know where Debbie’s coming from, from time to time,” he told MSNBC.

Not a minute too soon, the Electric City's Wendy Butler leaves the building

Electric City is awful, and Wendy Butler is a moron. There can be no debate of those two facts for anyone who has ever climbed beyond the mountains the surround Scranton. So read her last bit of self-absorbed tripe before she wastes oxygen and pledge money down the road at WVIA.

Man bites dog: Scranton Times editors answer questions

How exactly is this newsworthy? Larry Beaupre, John Murphy, Chris O'Hora, Faith Golay, Ed Christine, Ed Pikulski, Mike Mullen, Chad Sebring and Terry Bonifanti hold a workshop. Just what people wanted to know.

Read the circle-jerk Electric City best-of column from Wendy Butler

Another year, another round of "best of" ads bought with half-page display ads.

Scranton Times fights Casey/billboard flap

The most insightful part of the story comes at the end, where we read the nuts and bolts of the "marketing campaign" for the closure of the afternoon Scranton Times and the renaming of the morning Tribune the Times-Tribune. The Scranton paper got into this mess... because it needed a headline that rhymed with a 1962 song by the Turtles. Great way to attract the kids, fellas!

Bias! In the Scranton Times? Never!

Never, ever, editor Larry Beaupre reports. Read on, or click above for the whole story:

Bias is a sensitive issue, particularly in a town with one daily newspaper, but slanting stories in favor of one newsmaker or another “just doesn’t happen” at The Times-Tribune, says Managing Editor Lawrence K. Beaupre.

“Never in my five years at this newspaper have the publishers directed me to cover a story or cover up a story, or to emphasize a story or slant a story in any way,” he says. “Bias is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, very clearly, those who are charging us with bias don’t like the truth.”

Scranton Times source fired over grand jury leak

The state investigator for the AG's office apparently served as a post-publication second source (?!) for a 2004 grand jury story that everyone from the story subjects to a series of judges says is a bunch of bullshit.

And check out this bit from the stroy:
Mr. Blynn said Times-Tribune Assistant Managing Editor John Murphy approached his client about a year after the controversial story was published and asked for the affidavit because the newspaper had only one source for the story.

Mr. Kolojejchick provided the affidavit, Mr. Blynn said, because Mr. Murphy said his newspaper job was in jeopardy and because the newspaper had helped the attorney general’s prison investigation.

In a statement Friday, Mr. Murphy said: “Mr. Blynn’s and Mr. Kolojejchick’s version of events is inaccurate, but since we’re involved in a lawsuit I cannot comment further.”


I would hate to be the reporter chasing down his editor for a quote. Yow.

Scranton Times holds Hurricane Katrina telethon

They raised quite a lot of money, Lauren Roth and Lisa Schencker report.