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.

Santorum continues battling Scranton Times over Casey billboard flap

Rick Santorum says the billboard campaign amounts to an illegal campaign contribution to Robert Casey. Publisher Geroge Lynett and editor Larry Beaupre say that's crazy talk.

Philadelphia Inquirer weighs in on Scranton Times-Casey flap

Again, here's the real question: Why is Larry Beaupre, the editor, making prototypes for the marketing department? Sounds like something that would happen at a Gannett newspaper.

Chris Kelly gives his bosses head with fawning column

Chris Kelly of the Scranton Times manages to take shots at the Times Leader, fawningly flatter his editors and sound like a baby all at the same time over the Rick Santorum/Robert Casey billboard flap.

Republicans file complaint in Scranton Times-Casey billboard flap (Times version)

The debacle is the work of "too many people with too little to do," publisher George Lynett says. Like editors? Boom!

Republicans file complaint in Scranton Times-Casey flap

Times editor Larry Beaupre won't respond to Times Leader reporter Brett Marcy's queries other than to say: "I will speak to any reporter in the country, except for the Times Leader." Waaaaah! Someone get that man a Kleenex!

The AP's on the Times-Casey billboard flap

"It's ludicrous," Beaupre said. "They are seeking to make a connection that doesn't exist." Deep breaths. Is someone protesting too much?

Flap building over Scranton Times-Robert Casey billboards

Rick Santorum partisans says it's because the Times, the Lynetts and the Caseys are all in bed together. The Lynetts say it's nothing of the sort. We report: You decide.

Steve Corbett revisits South Wilkes-Barre

Formerly of the Times Leader and now of the Santa Maria (Calif.) Times, Steve Corbett vists the state store, marvels at the crime and ruminates on Wilkes-Barre in 2005.

Pow! Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spanks Scranton Times for mishandling Sherwood case

OOf. Bill Toland of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lands a couple punches on the Scranton Times and editor Larry Beaupre. This passage, especially, drips with contempt:

Sherwood's supporters think so much of him here that a local media chain, Times Shamrock Communications, initially declined to cover the Sherwood saga, which most newspapers or TV outlets would have considered newsworthy. After the police report became public, The Scranton Times, one of three papers in the chain, criticized the Times Leader for writing about it.

WYOU gives blow job to Times, others, for blood drive

Fellas, let's try to get at least a little -news- on the air, huh? What a sham. People who watched tonight's broadcast should get a refund.

Scranton Times suffers another courtroom loss in libel case

Another blow for the story, written by Jennifer Henn and edited by John Murphy, that alleged that two local politicians were "less than candid" before the grand jury. “We remain confident that, at the end of the day, our reporting will be vindicated," Larry Beaupre said. Riiiiiight. He better hope the paper is vindicated, or it's Chiquita all over again.

Farewell, afternoon Scranton Times

Chris Kelly writes a slightly-too-advertorial-like ode to the Times, which officially disappears today before its merger with the morning Tribune.

"The transition to a single morning newspaper comes without a single layoff," Kelly, reportedly a big fan of management, writes. What about all the afternoon paper boys? Well, they're contract employees, you see. They don't count.

Scranton Times finally reports Sherwood-Ore story

It's about time, since Cynthia Ore has filed a federal lawsuit against Don Sherwood, the congressman and her alleged ex-lover.

Scranton Times must reveal source, judge rules

The source, for a story written by John Murphy and edited by Jennifer Henn, allegedly dished false dish, though the newspaper is still (the only person or entity) standing by the story. The Times will appeal.

Afternoon Scranton Times dies June 24

That's what the headline should have said, rather than "Times-Tribune debuts June 27." How this has been played as a "merger" and not a "closure" has spoken volumes about Larry Beaupre's true colors as a newsman.

AP weighs in on Scranton Times vs. Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Sherwood battle

The AP's David Caruso of Philadelphia quotes Dave Iseman and Larry Beaupre columns but really doesn't do much original reporting, unfortunately. Still, a worthwhile read.

"Call me crazy" Larry Beaupre says in Sherwood flap

It's a tour de force from the Scranton Times editor. "But please, spare us all from the sanctimonious self-righteousness that is pervading that other newspaper's truly awful journalism....I don't think we should be stampeded into lowering our standards just because another publication has no standards."

Boom! Pow! Don't stop!

CJR weighs in on the Scranton Times ignoring the Sherwood story

It's just like the Gary Hart story, Times editor Larry Beaupre tells CJR Daily. Well, doesn't that mean you should write a story about it rather than sitting on it?

Tunkhannock editor defends sitting on Sherwood story

Robert Baker, who identifies himself as the editor of the Times-Shamrock-owned New Age Examiner of Tunkhannock, writes a column explaining why he's sitting on the Sherwood story. It includes this line:

"An area daily newspaper about 25 miles to our south, rushed to publication on Saturday. But most of the news organizations, including mine, have been more than a bit skeptical about it."

I guess "most of the news organizations" don't include the AP and the Washington Post. Whatever.

Electric City congratulates self on Diamond City

This really would have been the time to launch a good Wilkes-Barre alternative newspaper. Weekender is leaderless and on the ropes. But instead Times-Shamrock publishes Diamond City, which features 99 percent content copied from Electric City. "Watch us shine," Wendy Butler says. Yawn.

Test

THis is s test post.

Fred Reinecke hired as new Scranton Times business editor

Fred Reinecke, formerly of Florida and New Orleans, takes over at the Scranton Times for Ken Knelly, who was promoted to business editor.

Scranton Times sued for libel by county commissioners

The Times story written by Jennifer Henn and edited by John Murphy was false, libelous, and other bad things. The newspaper thinks it will be vindicated. It better really have its anonymous source, or Randy Castellani and Joe Corcoran will eat Larry Beaupre for breakfast.

Journalism student spanks Scranton Times for error

Editor Larry Beaupre responds to the young woman's letter complaining about a Sears-Kmart headline error by writing, "We regard the error as serious and are taking appropriate steps to help ensure it will not happen again." In other words, a copy editor is headed to the night police beat. Sorry, whoever you are.

WYOU report on closure of afternoon Scranton Times

It's all hunky-dory, according to a "news alliance partner."

Larry Holeva named editor of Citizens' Voice

Larry Holeva is moving from being assistant editor at The Scranton Times to sitting in the big chair at the Times-Shamrock-owned Citizens' Voice of Wilkes-Barre. Someone buy the poor guy a drink.

Ken Knelly promoted to Scranton Times business editor

Knelly, who has been business editor at the Scranton Times for the last year, is from West Virginia by way of South Carolina.

Ken Knelly promoted at Scranton Times

Knelly, formerly the business editor, is now "metro editor."

Steve Corbett wishes he were still in Wilkes-Barre

Corbett is watching TV in Santa Maria, sees Bush at the Kirby Center, and misses living in a swing state. Corbett column drinking game: every time you read "coal" do a shot.

Judge: Scranton Times gets the facts wrong in Corcoran/Castellani story

"None of these things happened," Judge Garb said, referring to the source's account of the commissioners' testimony. Ouch! This doesn't look good for Jennifer Henn or for John Murphy, the Timed editor who edited the story.

Scranton Times tries to quash subpoena of reporter Jennifer Henn

The subpoena comes in the wake of a story Henn wrote about Lackawanna County commissioners Randy Castellani and Joe Corcoran.

"This is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate the reporting process," said Lawrence K. Beaupre, managing editor of the Times-Tribune newspapers, in a story written by Dave Singleton.

Scranton Times reporter, shooter headed to Iraq

In a rare story, Larry Beaupre reports that Chris Kelly and Mike Mullen will go to Iraq with a local National Guard unit. He also reports that the two have won plenty of awards.

Larry Beaupre turns up in American Journalism Review

A giant takeout on Larry Beaupre and how he's liking life at The Scranton Times. Guest stars include Larry Holeva, John Murphy, Jim Haggerty and Borys Krawczeniuk.

Chris Kelly on the Scranton Times' Ray Flanagan

A nice tribute to a well-respected reporter.

Ray Flanagan, Scranton Times courthouse reporter, dies

Flanagan, who was well regarded by all, was 60. A pro.

Scranton Times hires new business editor from South Carolina

Ken Knelly is coming from The State in Columbia, S.C. to lead a business page that won some state awards, which is being damned with faint praise if ever there was such a thing. You're better than the business page in Reading! Woo-hoo!

Scranton Times/Citizens Voice starts new business section

The press-release -- er, news story -- can be read by clicking above. Small-town boosterism at its finest.

Larry Beaupre plugs new business section

It's coming in a week. It's going to be big! And has newspaper stories! Beaupre gets a B- for use of "synergies."

Steve Corbett writes of the Wolsieffer case from California

Former Wilkes-Barre Times Leader columnist Steve Corbett makes the leap from the Laci Peterson case to the Glen Wolsieffer case. Glory days....

Steve Corbett writes about the time he gave Martin Sheen a ride

It happened the time Corbett, then of the Times Leader, allegedly spotted Sheen getting off a bus (presumably at the Martz). Also a mention of the time no TL editor had the time to interview Tom Ridge.

Larry Beaupre to Scranton Times readers: Sorry about all those corrections!

Beaupre, in his first column since becoming editor, explains mistakes and how they happen. Here's the news: the Scranton papers had 183 corrections in 2002.

Rich Mates bio

This bio is part of the series that Scranton Times reporter Rich Mates is writing about his Parkinson's Disease illness.

Steve Corbett, formerly of the TL, name checks fellow former TLer Greg Ellman

Ellman, now a shooter for the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, was out looking for Columbia debris in Texas and manages to refer to Public Square.

E&P story on Scranton Times editor Beaupre's deal with Gannett

According to E&P: In an e-mail message to his staff, [Beaupre] wrote, "I am happy to report that the lawsuit has been settled to my satisfaction, and I can close this ugly chapter of my life." Yeah, half a mil is pretty satisfactory.

Scranton Times story on Beaupre settlement

A typically uninsightful story. Larry Beaupre declined comment, other than to say that he made out very, very, very well. And Gannett can go fuck itself.

Larry Beaupre to get $550,000 from Gannett

That will buy a lot of Stegmaier on Lackawanna Avenue for Beaupre, now editor of the Scranton Times. The deal ends a wrongful-termination suit Beaupre had filed against Gannett in the wake of the Chiquita scandal.

"News alliance" between Scranton Times and WNEP is nothing but milk and honey

That's if you believe the overly-marketing-minded editors involved. Larry Beaupre, Paul Golias, and Al Zobel all think it's the best thing since the internal combustion engine.

Ed Christine named sports editor at Scranton Times

Cronyism alive and well: Christine used to work with Beaupre at Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Westchester County, N.Y. Christine most recently married his way into the family that owned the Danville (Pa.) paper before the family cashed out.

Pete Banko, Dan Burnett promoted at Scranton Times

The moves seem to be the first from newly-installed former Chiquita editor Larry Beaupre. Banko is a lifer and Burnett came from the Pocono Record about a year ago.