Try to make sense of this decision
What follows is an excerpt from a recent message sent to News & Observers staffers about the departure of a fellow journalist, who got caught in the latest round of job-cutting at the paper. Although some readers will figure out who this was written about, I’ve left out his name. (I’m a blogger with scruples — surely an oxymoron.)
[He] came to the paper as a police reporter. Prior to becoming an editor, his reporting career included: education reporter, state government reporter, Washington correspondent, general assignment reporter, and investigative reporter.
Before formally joining with Pat Stith to form the I-Team, [he] did a series of stories on then-Secretary of State Rufus Edminsten and his performance in office that led to a resignation and criminal investigation. He also had a powerful impact in reporting on a $3.7 million DOT payment to a developer for land that was appraised for far less.
As a member of the I-Team, [he] reported on numerous conflicts of interest and the triumph of politics over professionalism at DOT, including uncovering the questionable $100,000 payment to DMV worker Algie Toomer. He also investigated problems with drugs produced by GlaxoSmithKline and produced a series on the long waits by disabled people to get Social Security disability benefits. …
In 1999, he was chosen for the prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University.
In 2004, [he] became Capitol/State editor. In that position, he led his team to important stories about the influence of money in politics and holding elected officials accountable. He developed reporting that helped readers understand, and get ahead of, legislative decisions on important issues. He encouraged the staff to inject humanity and fun in the coverage of government.
During the 2008 election season, our coverage under [the departing staffer] was distinguished by expansive coverage of issues and holding candidates accountable for the truthfulness of their statements and political advertising. …
In the last 15 years, The N&O rose from being a good regional newspaper to become one of the best in the country. [He] was a big part of that transformation. His commitment to quality journalism was unmatched.
Pretty impressive, huh? I’m astonished that he was pushed out the door, especially since it’s accepted as absolute truth these days that the key to a newspaper’s survival is found in exactly the kind of work this fellow did for the N&O.
And let it be noted that the N&O continues to keep a movie reviewer on staff. Odd, those priorities.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:12 pm
… and a music critic?
February 1st, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Would said movie reviewer happen to be a minority, by chance?
February 1st, 2010 at 9:43 pm
… and they have those people who try various cosmetics and tell us what they think.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:31 am
Is Linda Williams still there? You know, the editor who early on spiked a key element of Crystal Mangum’s story that would have cast doubt on her “sisterhood” with the other stripper?
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
et tu the same Linda Williams that besmirched (well, attempted anyway) the good name of said G.D.?
As for ol’ Uncle Grizzle, I like the dude.
As to being “astonished” at this decision, I find it consistent with prior decisions. My guess is that “he” failed to remain in lock-step with the political machine that is the McClatchy Corporation. Same Corporation that sends forth its minions to demean and denounce the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Corporate influence in the political arena. A hypocrisy compounded only by the condescension of the N&O that its readers would be unaware of this fact.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
There are only two reasons I keep my N&O subscription:
1. They keep an eye on local & state governments.
2. The morning paper gives Mrs. RLR something to read over coffee.
If the N&O really wishes to abandon #1, it’s likely #2 will change as well.
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I’m sure anything I write will be taken as defending the N&O. I offer no excuse for them and, frankly, I’m not sure I agree with the decision (full disclosure — the subject of this note and his spouse, who actually worked for the N&O years ago, were/are personal friends). However, the comments GD posted were mostly about the individual’s accomplishments as an investigative reporter. I’m not certain I’ve seen a byline on an investigative piece by this gentleman in quite some time (tho admittedly, I haven’t checked the archive). I’m not sure this move will leave less investigative reporters on the beat.
As far as Crizzle and Menconi are concerned, I believe they remain on the staff for the reason Arena cited — readers like their work. I could offer that one is minority while the other isn’t as evidence that race doesn’t matter but I think the reality is that bone is now being cut. Quotas or not, there is likely little, if any, dead wood left. You can argue all you want about anybody else (including Linda Williams who I personally disagree with on many subjects) but the fact that you don’t agree with someone doesn’t mean they’re not productive.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Linda Williams with aforethought, if not malice aforethought, withheld news from the public that would have completely changed the character of one of the biggest stories to hit in the last decade. She has admitted as much in public. Never mind the layoffs of today, that SHOULD HAVE BEEN a fireable offense four years ago. The fact that it wasn’t says she’s being protected for some reason. I’ll leave you to speculate on that reason.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Layoff the movie critic? And then what? Where will the N&O staff get their hands on pre-released blockbuster movies to take home and watch? McClatchy can’t have employees who’ve been accustomed to the righ…uh…privilege of advanced screening of movies suddenly have that taken away; it’s like pulling the needle out of an addict’s arm before the syringe pushes the sweet release of Hollywood’s entertainment into their bloodstream. Can you imagine?
“What’d you mean Craig is gone?! How am I suppose to watch Iron Man 2 in the comfort of my own home theater system with ‘D. Linz’ gone?”
It’d be shear pandemonium.