tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320945592024-03-14T01:09:43.012-05:00NewsAcheNewsAche is the feeling you get<br> when you read the Cincinnati Enquirer,<br> the worst newspaper in the United States.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-51284647106913069512011-06-21T21:21:00.002-05:002011-06-21T21:50:08.267-05:00Deader than deadThe cuts across Gannett are hideously deep today, including about a dozen from the Enquirer newsroom -- many solid, experienced people who truly loved the business. I don't care whether you're publishing a newspaper or making donuts, if you don't employ people who care about the product, it won't be worth anyone's time and effort to consume. I'll read, sometimes, what the Enquirer gives me for free, but I'll be damned if Gannett ever gets another nickel out of me.<div><br /></div><div>The Enquirer loses relevance with each staff reduction. Newspapers are in a self-inflicted death spiral. To the people who have been cut, all I can say is God bless, be calm, breathe deeply and you'll find a way to make a living that has meaning for your lives. To the people left behind, for chrissakes, find another job. To the corporate pigs and dim yes-men who try to tell the communities they serve that their newspapers will get better and more focused when the newsrooms are less polluted by experienced and passionate newspeople, I want you to look your children in the eye and explain to them what you did today. It's a terrible thing. I hope you fucking choke on your bonuses and President's Rings.</div>Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-67899328735295255222009-07-08T15:02:00.003-05:002009-07-08T15:10:14.856-05:00TerribleThere are gut-wrenching changes at the Enquirer today. I have briefly come out of retirement to post this, if only to make a thread available for people to discuss the workers who've lost their jobs. This is also <a href="http://www.gannettoid.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=94" target="blank">this thread</a> at <a href="http://www.gannettoid.com/" target="blank">Gannettoid.com</a>. Best wishes to all.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-9646471849920499842008-09-24T13:32:00.005-05:002008-09-26T12:58:16.515-05:00So longFarewell to these good people on their last day at the Enquirer:<br /><blockquote><span class="SS_L3"><span class="verdana"><p class="loose"><span style="font-style: italic;">Betty Barnett</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jim Borgman<br />Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eggerding</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ann Haas</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Ann Hicks</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Allen Howard</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knippenberg</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Joy Kraft</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Tony Lang</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Margaret A. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McGurk</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Sara Pearce</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jennifer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Schwertman</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Alan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vonderhaar</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />William A. Weathers</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />John Wolfe</span></p></span></span></blockquote><p></p>With this post I'm leaving the blogging business. And let me be clear: No one is silencing me. I'm just tired of it. The Enquirer is hopeless. Thank you for reading and commenting and supporting me.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-33533073823364118102008-09-03T08:42:00.004-05:002008-09-03T09:07:59.236-05:00ArrivederciBeginning Tuesday, newsroom -- excuse me -- information center employers were being informed on the acceptance of buyouts. There were 60 buyouts, more than the 50 asked for, and 15 in the newsroom. <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/BIZ/809030360/1076">Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Borgman</span> is among those leaving</a>. He was a giant in the newsroom, the best journalist in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Enquirer's</span> employ, and it's telling that in the story the Enquirer published, his is the only name they felt was worth mentioning among those leaving.<br /><br />There are other good people leaving. There are some unexpected decisions, and some who've been refused will not be happy. And, it's going to be shocking and upsetting just how badly this will affect the breadth and quality of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Enquirer's</span> coverage.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-27824734869891234762008-08-26T12:39:00.004-05:002008-08-26T12:56:02.149-05:00Eeny meeny miny moeThe buyout applications are in, and now the process of selecting those who will allowed to leave begins. The publisher wrote the troops Monday:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From: XXXX On Behalf Of Buchanan, Margaret</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 1:26 PM</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To: Cincinnati-All1</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Subject: Voluntary Severance Program update</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To: All non-represented employees</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From: Margaret Buchanan</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The deadline for applications for voluntary severance packages has passed and we are beginning the process of determining those we will accept to meet The Enquirer's goals as part of a Gannett-wide staff reduction announced in recent weeks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I realize it will be a tense two weeks until those involved are informed about the status of their applications. I understand how difficult this will be and I know that many may be disappointed if their applications are denied. But we need to get this done and move on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Operating Committee has been working with its managers and supervisors to help determine what positions we should keep and which we can afford not to replace. As stated before, we will do this based on position, job function and years of service. Our goal is to notify employees individually by September 5 as to whether they've been accepted or not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's been a trying time for all of us. But I appreciate your hard work throughout, and again encourage you to ask questions – of me, your manager and/or Human Resources. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Margaret</span></span><br /></blockquote><br />And Tom's addition:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From: Callinan, Tom</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 3:24 PM</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To: CIN-News Users</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Subject: FW: Voluntary Severance Program update</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In addition to the publisher's note below, here is how the voluntary severance program will be handled in News and related content departments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My job will be to focus on the positions we can re-assign or restructure around, not the individuals. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I will work with the publisher on which positions in which departments we may consider. Then, where there are multiple volunteers in a certain job category, Human Resources will determine the individuals who will qualify based on years of experience, nothing else.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here are general guidelines I have established:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- Our top priority will be respecting our First Amendment responsibility -- public interest reporting and civic engagement.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- We must protect our local news gathering capabilities.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- We must protect strategic initiatives, such as NKY and the Edge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- We must ensure that basic operations -- the ability to produce a timely and lively web site and well-edited newspaper -- are protected.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-- And we need to keep in mind the demands of an increasingly digital future.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Decisions will be made in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, I don't think it benefits anyone to speculate on what that means for the individuals involved and/or the departments they come from.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">TC</span></span><br /><br /></blockquote>Telling reporters and editors not to speculate is like telling birds not to fly. The Enquirer asked for 50 buyout candidates and the word is that many more than that applied. For the newsroom, it means that some people who would very much like to leave will not be allowed to take the buyout. Chances are they'll have to stick around for the Enquirer's <a href="http://cincynewsache.blogspot.com/2008/08/axe-cuts-deeper.html" target="_blank">bright future</a>.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-60446173685198662502008-08-24T20:41:00.004-05:002008-08-24T21:09:36.035-05:00If you don't take the buyout, you'll have to attend more meetings with TomThe Enquirer tried to calm the newsroom by holding a series of meetings, to talk about what happens after the buyouts. Instead, boss Tom Callinan, in his inimitable way, screwed up the message and had to issue a clarification.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">From: Callinan, Tom<br />Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:40 PM<br />To: CIN-News Users<br />Subject: Training and new skills<br /><br />In our conversations about life after the buyouts we have been talking a lot about the future need for diversifying our staff's skills for flexibility and collaboration in a tighter world.….some have misinterpreted that as a call for everyone to learn html, Excel and high-end Avid video … like by Friday or else.<br /><br />I do not mean to send that message.<br /><br />What I am trying to say that it will be helpful for our excellent copy editors to know a bit about basic design…our best designers to be able to pitch in on basic copy editing ….bureau reporters able to take a point and shoot to a remote assignment for a head shot … experienced reporters able to fill in for desk editors in emergencies (with differential of course) all to get more involved in basic understanding of linking and imbedding online and in blogs. That type of thing.<br /><br />We will be assessing our current training and surveying the staff on what you all want and need. And I am hearing that we need to provide an array of training environments for a wide variety of learning styles -- from wikipedias and digital tutorials to group sessions and intense, personal hands-on experiences.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's something that Chris has been doing in an informal manner….and to be frank the attendance has been disappointing.<br /><br />Please consider stopping by.<br /><br />**** MINI ENQ A: ONLINE and YOU<br /><br />Every Tuesday 10:30-11 a.m. and Thursday 4:30-5 p.m.<br /><br />Not sure how to create a message thread on the new Cincinnati.Com? Do you have no clue what RSS is, or why you need it? A new weekly, informal, quick Q-and-A chat session may be just the help you need. Starting next Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon – and running for as long as we want – we'll be gathering in the 19th floor conference room at Elm to go over stuff like this. No pressure, no requirement to attend, no sign-up sheets, probably no food – just the opportunity to whittle away at the nagging stuff that might be keeping us from doing our best.****<br /><br />And thanks to all for patience, understanding and participation in the discussions we've been having in small group sessions on Elm, Kentucky, Blue Ash, and Butler-Warren … day and night-side.<br /><br />You are being listened to. I want all to help guide me in making the difficult decisions about how The Enquirer will manage any re-assigning and restructuring that may be needed in the coming months.<br /><br />TC</span></blockquote>How ridiculous. Callinan has pulled this stunt before, calling meetings and pretending that he values your input. The only thing this latest episode did was drive people to take the buyout.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-2301629007876850852008-08-19T07:38:00.004-05:002008-08-19T07:48:47.312-05:00Buyouts and MetromixThere are many names floating around the newsroom, people who are known to be taking the buyout. I won't make those names public, because some of those people are on the fence. One or two have turned in the paperwork for the buyout and then changed their minds. It looks as though the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">copydesk</span> and Life will be hit hard.<br /><br />And the reality of what the newsroom will be like after the buyouts is starting to sink in. Rumors are swirling about where Hollis Towns is going, and Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Callinan</span> is holding meetings this week with newsroom employees about what happens next. He wrote to the staff: "Editors and I have talked about possible scenarios, but we really won't know what the future will hold until we see who is on the final list on Friday. Obviously we may not be able to accept all requests for the buyouts. But we know we will have to do some re-assigning and restructuring in the aftermath. ... I don't have a crystal ball and I can't predict or promise anything about the future in these changing and challenging times. But I will give you straight answers as best I can."<br /><br />Meanwhile, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gannett</span> is pushing a project called <a href="http://www.metromix.com/pick_your_city"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Metromix</span></a> (press release <a href="http://http://www.gannett.com/news/pressrelease/2007/pr102907.htm">here</a>), a large web-based entertainment database. Each <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gannett</span> paper is expected to contribute hundreds of items to the database. The deadline is next week, but the Enquirer is well below its quota. So this week, Enquirer reporters are having to waste their time researching and filing items for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Metromix</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gannett</span> often says it doesn't interfere in local news coverage, but here's an example where they dictate to the local papers, who have to drop whatever they're doing and respond.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-41955830131034928992008-08-15T09:16:00.003-05:002008-08-15T09:20:18.893-05:00The Enqurier makes itself newsThe Enquirer <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080815/BIZ01/808150365/1076/BIZ" target=_blank>finally reports</a> on its own buyout offer, nearly two weeks after it first made the offer to employees and on the day the buyouts were originally supposed to be taken. The sudden attack of conscience comes because word leaked out that Gannett was looking to cut 1,000 jobs, and the rest of the industry press was reporting it. Much credit goes to <a href="http://gannettblog.blogspot.com" target=_blank>Gannettblog</a>, which has kept the pressure on. Word out of the Enquirer is that people are running for the exits, in all departments.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-19173310165513585792008-08-08T12:54:00.002-05:002008-08-08T13:09:18.053-05:00The axe cuts deeperMany functions of the Enquirer's Finance department are being outsourced to a central operation being set up by Gannett in Springfield, Mo.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >TO: All Enquirer Media employees<br />FM: Margaret Buchanan<br /><br />In meetings yesterday afternoon, all employees in the Finance department were informed that parts of our financial operations will be moved to two "national shared service centers" located in Indianapolis and Springfield , Mo. <br /><br />The changes will primarily affect what we do in the areas of accounts payable, general ledger, credit and some aspects of cash accounting. Our Finance division will continue to locally support the organization in the areas advertising billing, circulation billing, payroll and financial analysis.<br /><br />Because this will be a fairly long undertaking, it is difficult to know exactly how and when employees will be affected. Cincinnati will be among many Gannett sites moving these shared service centers in the next 6 months or more.<br /><br />The timing of this announcement – during our Voluntary Severance Program – will provide additional options to affected employees. Severance, benefits continuation, job opening information, and employee assistance are among the options available to employees.<br /><br />I just wanted to make you aware of what's happening.<br /><br />We appreciate your cooperation. And if you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask me, Dave Wuertemberger in Finance, or Keith Bulling in HR.<br /><br /> Margaret</span><br /></blockquote>The email above doesn't say how many jobs will be cut. It's also not clear if the number being cut in Finance affects the 50 buyouts announced on Monday, but my guess is that these are in addition to the 50. Those people who are losing their jobs will find comfort in knowing that the newspaper they are leaving is poised for success.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-27401997936800617222008-08-05T06:36:00.005-05:002008-08-08T15:07:46.918-05:00The axe fallsThe Enquirer, which according to the letter below is poised to succeed in the future, will do so with fewer people around. Today the paper put out the word today that it would like 50 employees to volunteer for buyouts. They are being offered two weeks of severance for each year served, with health benefits during the severance period. That's not a great offer, but it's not as cheap as some might have expected. And, writes publisher Margaret Buchanan, "If this voluntary offer doesn’t result in a sufficient number of volunteers, or if in the future, economic conditions worsen, it may be necessary to consider layoffs."<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From: XXXX, On Behalf Of Buchanan, Margaret<br />Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 3:31 PM<br />To: Cincinnati-All1<br />Subject: Voluntary Severance Program<br /><br />To: All non-represented employees<br /><br />From: Margaret Buchanan<br /><br />In the last few years, we have implemented a number of initiatives to help us compete in an ever-changing media landscape, and thanks to your hard work and initiative, we are poised to succeed in the future.<br /><br />However, as I’m sure you’re aware, the economy has worsened in the last year. Despite putting in place many cost-control actions – including some reductions in staff and many non-payroll expense cuts – we find ourselves needing to cut expenses again.<br /><br />To that end, we are offering a voluntary severance program. Here are some details about the program:</span><br /><ul style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">It is being offered to all active non-represented employees of Enquirer Media, excluding Operating Committee employees.</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The company reserves the right to limit the number of volunteers accepted in order to maintain business operations.</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The program offers two weeks of severance for every year of credited service – up to 52 weeks. This will be paid out the same way as regular payroll until the severance period is exhausted. During the severance period, health benefits will remain intact.</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The offer is open until August 15.</span><br /></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">We are looking for 50 volunteers overall.</span></li><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:85%;">If more than 50 volunteer, we will review whether we can expand the pool. Decisions about which volunteers will be accepted will be based on position, job function and years of service.</span></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >If this voluntary offer doesn’t result in a sufficient number of volunteers, or if in the future, economic conditions worsen, it may be necessary to consider layoffs.<br /><br />Please see the attached Q&A for answers to frequently asked questions.<br /><br />Eligible employees who are interested should contact Julie Sawyer in Human Resources at (513) 768-8216.<br /><br />Employees who decide to volunteer should submit a request in writing (signed and dated) to Julie Sawyer in HR. The company will review the list of volunteers after August 15, make a determination and inform all volunteers who have been accepted. Separation dates will be set at that time.<br /><br />Margaret </span><br /></blockquote>At least she didn't sign it, "Your pal, Margaret." What is her definition of "success"? The Enquirer is getting its ass kicked on the Bruce Ivins story. Compare their <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080802/NEWS01/808020320/0/NEWS01" target="_blank">pathetic effort</a> to what <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/washington/02anthrax.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin" target="_blank">the New York Times has done</a>. The latter is what reporting looks like. The former is an example of settling for "good enough" but it's really not good at all. The problem isn't the reporter's. It's the combination of too few people, too few resources and too little time creating a bland brew of low expectations.<br /><br />And it will only get worse. The word of buyouts has unnerved the newsroom, and good people are looking for the exits. Members of the operating committee are exempted from the offer, so that means people who need to go, like Tom Callinan, probably won't.<br /><br />UPDATE: The buyouts have been reported by the <a href="http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/08/04/daily17.html?surround=lfn" target="_blank">Business Courier</a>, <a href="http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003834951" target="_blank">Editor & Publisher</a>, <a href="http://blogs.citybeat.com/porkopolis/2008/08/enquirer-wants.html" target="_blank">CityBeat</a> and <a href="http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/cincinnati-enquirer-seeks-50-buyout.html" target="_blank">Gannettblog</a>, but not yet by the Enquirer itself.<br /><br />UPDATE: The Enquirer has extended the deadline by a week.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-65403200575929163712008-07-25T21:35:00.002-05:002008-07-25T21:50:06.468-05:00Gas painsThe Enquirer has breathlessly posted the <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/NEWS01/807270302/-1/fuel" target="_blank">final installment</a> of its gas price analysis, which makes the following statements:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">An Enquirer analysis of daily gas prices at 716 area stations in May and June, and interviews with dozens of dealers, consumers and experts, finds that competition is still the No. 1 factor influencing how prices are set.</span></blockquote>And:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Retailers say they usually follow the leader when it comes to setting a daily price.</span></blockquote>Competition means you challenge the leader, not follow it. Which is it? No secrets revealed here, as were promised. Is this the best that the Enquirer can do?Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-56915583745842280832008-06-23T14:44:00.003-05:002008-06-23T15:07:16.336-05:00The descent from newsIn its heyday, the TV show Seinfeld devoted an arc to developing a show "about nothing." The Enquirer gives you a newspaper about nothing. It seems more and more of the stories in the Enquirer aren't news. Today's newspaper, for instance, gives you a story about <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS01/806230316/1168/NEWS" target="_blank"> rising food prices and its effect on horses</a>. Compare that to the Columbus Dispatch, which on Sunday gave us a story about <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/06/22/COSTS_MORE.ART_ART_06-22-08_A1_DNAI2LE.html?sid=" target="_blank">rising food prices and its effect on food banks</a> -- in other words, food for people.<br /><br />I am slack-jawed browsing the Enquirer's new terrible web site, looking for news. <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/BIZ01/306230040/1076/NEWS" target="_blank">Graeter's gets new packaging</a>; on the web site, the story is a cheap excuse to run a photo of three little girls licking ice cream cones. A story about <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/BIZ01/806230317/1076/BIZ" target="_blank">a local company trying to stop domain name theft</a> makes it to the front page.<br /><br />I have been seeing non-news stories in the paper day after day. This is a newspaper that is short on staff, short on time and other resources, and sadly short on common sense. Gannett's revenue is shrinking, and though daily circulation at the Enquirer is up slightly since the Post shut down, Sunday circulation is down 10,000 from a year earlier. The dire state of the newsroom means no one should spend five minutes working on a story about Graeter's new packaging. The Enquirer editors seem unable to prioritize stories, and work on news that matters and report it in depth. Newspapers are faced with the choice between what they <u>can</u> do with limited resources, and what they <u>should</u> do. The Enquirer makes the wrong choice day after day, and it's costing them.<br /><br />I defy any Enquirer editor to explain their news philosophy. I would reprint it here, without comment. I don't believe it exists.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-8257846666387999292008-06-18T14:26:00.003-05:002008-06-18T14:28:56.360-05:00The Enquirer's blogsDoes anyone else think that the new blog platform sucks? The blogs are hard to find, hard to read, hard to use. I also get the feeling, from the smaller number of comments posted, that traffic is down. This is another example of something Gannett has done for the benefit of advertising that gives a big fuck-you to readers. And Gannett thinks it "gets" the Internet.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-24484910110475280872008-06-05T14:56:00.003-05:002008-07-07T10:03:58.681-05:00Is change coming?How do you describe individual Enquirer editors without using names? You could say "the crazy editor," but there would be several candidates. Same goes for "milquetoast" or "bully."<br /><br />Let's go with "bully." One of the Enquirer's editor bullies is said to have interviewed for the executive editor position at Gannett's Fort Myers News-Press in Florida last Friday. There will be many people cheering for this bully's departure, but you have to ask, why would anybody hire him? First, he's a bully. Second, there is not a single thing that happened during his tenure that would impress anybody journalistically. The only thing he's good at is scowling and shouting, but those aren't really talents.<br /><br />Wait, maybe we should say only good things about him so somebody hires him. He's large, and I think he can spell many words well.<br /><br />UPDATE JULY 7: The News-Press <a href="http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS01/80702028/1002" target="_blank">decided to go in another direction</a>.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-55105000450029017022008-05-23T14:57:00.002-05:002008-05-23T15:24:09.939-05:00Chiquita, againI read <a href="http://www.cjr.org/feature/saved_by_the_shield.php?page=all">this</a> and thought wow, neither the Enquirer nor anybody else within Gannett would have the guts to publish anything like this today. I had thought that 10 years later, the Chiquita mess really hadn't had a long-term impact on the Enquirer. It wasn't a hard-nosed paper before, and it wasn't afterward, so what was the effect?<br /><br />Cincinnati Magazine set out to answer that question, but came back with <a href="http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article.aspx?id=52404">something different</a>. No readers were interviewed, none of the powers that be in the region were interviewed. The editor and the publisher were interviewed. What would Tom Callinan know about the effect of the Chiquita mess? First, he wasn't here at the time. Second, the journalistic tone he's set for the Enquirer shows he doesn't know much about journalism. You get President's Rings for pushing paper, not for putting people in jail.<br /><br />After reading Cameron McWhirter's look back, it occurred to me that the Enquirer would never, ever write about itself in such terms. A hard-hitting series, the disavowal that didn't say the reporting was in error, the $10 million payment to the richest man in town, the felony conviction, the naming of previously unnamed sources -- the Chiquita affair was a major event in this town, of historical proportions. The Enquirer celebrates the anniversaries of lesser events with front-page treatment. Why not Chiquita? The Enquirer, sadly, can't be honest its present, about its circulation numbers and its business practices. Why would it be honest about its own past?Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-12377675376597938652008-05-11T10:02:00.003-05:002008-05-11T15:23:56.999-05:00A few awards the Enquirer might win, but it's not enoughThe Enquirer has been informed it's won awards in the following <a href="http://www.pressclubcleveland.com/">Cleveland Press Club</a> award categories:<br /><p></p><ul><li>General News-Single Story: <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=newstrustin" target="_blank">Unprotected Child, Tormented Death</a></li><li>General News-Multiple Stories: <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=newsmarcus" target="_blank">Who Killed Marcus Fiesel?</a></li><li>Features-Personality Profile: <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/NEWS01/712160365/-1/back01" target="_blank">Love Song to a Teacher</a></li><li>Public Service: <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=foreclosure" target="_blank">Foreclosure's Fallout</a></li><li>Investigative: <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=fenphen" target="_blank">Prescription for Scandal</a></li><li>Business: <a href="http://www.care2.com/news/member/393462525/385459" target="_blank">A Fatal Flavor?</a></li><li>Sports: A World Apart</li><li>Analysis: A Unique Hub</li><li>Best in Ohio: Staff Reporter (two reporters)</li><li>Travel Writing: Instruments Can Create Discord on Trips</li><li>Best in Ohio: Cartooning<br /></li></ul>Awards will be announced in June. In the Cleveland Press Club awards, there are 66 categories in the Open Print and Daily Newspaper classes. The Enquirer is a winner in just 11 categories; they have two nominees in one category. They are not a winner in the Best Daily Newspaper category, or Best Section, or Editorial, or Criticism, or Columns. One entry is written by Chuck Martin, who is leaving the paper, and another by Jim McNair, who was let go.<br /><br />State awards should be a slam dunk for good newspapers, and are most meaningful if you win your category. If you don't win, if you get a second or third or an honorable mention, they're almost meaningless. Assuming the Enquirer doesn't finish first in all these categories, it's a poor showing for a major metro daily.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-1788697582510757932008-04-28T20:12:00.002-05:002008-04-28T20:22:03.488-05:00Too lateThe good news for the Enquirer is: <a href="http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003795131">Circulation is up</a>, about 3% to <span class="text">212,369, from 206,320 a year ago.<br /></span><br />The bad news is it's too late to reverse the slide in advertising. The industrywide decline is so bad that the Conference Board has decided <a href="http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1434890/">to stop publishing its help-wanted index</a>, which used monthly newspaper classified ad totals to gauge the strength of the labor market. The Conference Board began publishing the index in 1951. So much advertising has moved online, that newspaper totals are no longer the indicator they once were.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-60572351108551891202008-04-26T07:28:00.002-05:002008-04-26T07:42:32.637-05:00The Maupin coverageI'm not going to take the Enquirer to task for its <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=maupin" target="_blank">coverage</a> of the Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maupin</span> funeral. Many people are asking why now, why is the Enquirer devoting so much space and resources to this when there have been local soldiers whose deaths didn't even rate the front age.<br /><br />I've been critical in the past of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Enquirer's</span> lack of interest in the war. It's the biggest journalistic sin this paper has committed in the recent past. For most of the past five years, you could read the front page of the Enquirer and not realize the country is at war. The Enquirer has to be one of the few major dailies in the country not to have sent a reporter to Iraq. The editorial board's attention to this was has been infrequent, immature, ill informed, cowardly and just wrong.<br /><br />Is the Enquirer trying to make it up in one fell swoop, packing into a week the coverage they've failed to present in the past? Maybe. But set that aside.<br /><br />Have any of the critics of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maupin</span> observance been to a single other funeral? In how many other cities across the nation has there been an opportunity like this, for ordinary citizens to stand with their hats on their hearts as the casket of a fallen soldier passed by? If there's one funeral President Bush should attend, it's this one.<br /><br />If you're against the war or for it, don't pass up this opportunity to honor Matt and the 4,360 other brave Americans who've given their lives in this war. Go to the visitation or the ballpark, or watch it on TV, think of those Americans and ask, as an American citizen, if you've been as involved in this war as you should have been. I know I haven't.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-284900237313261442008-04-23T14:37:00.003-05:002008-04-23T20:16:33.192-05:00They never learnThe Enquirer has used each turn in the long and tired saga of the Banks development to boost downtown, and nearly every time it's had to reverse itself. On Nov. 2 the headline in the center of the page said "The Banks is a done deal." On January 15 the headline said, "The Banks hits a new snag," followed a week later by "Banks project might miss finance deadline." Headlines on editorials include "Banks is a dream worth holding" (June 15), "Get ready: Banks really happening" (September 8), "The Banks: Time to get it done" (September 25) and "Stop arguing, just build the Banks" (September 30), "Seal the deal on the Banks" (October 25), "Cooperation key to Banks approval" (November 2), and finally, "Fuckin' A, stop acting like pussies and build the goddam thing already" (November 9).<br /><br />Okay, I made that last one up. It seemed to fit the Enquirer's comical progression, which shows how hard they try ignore political realities and boost downtown, only to be slapped back to earth by some inevitable petty disagreement. It shows how little Enquirer editors understand about business, finance, development and politics. Yes, ground has finally be broken, but personally, I'm going to hold my applause till I see the first bar open for business there.<br /><br />The Enquirer's latest display of front-page naivety surrounds the Delta-Northwest merger and the fate of the hub at CVG. We have "<a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/BIZ01/304170033/-1/back01" target="_blank">Delta: CVG service may grow</a>" (April 17), "<a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/BIZ01/804180349/-1/back01" target="_blank">Delta hub here may grow</a>" (April 18) and the editorial "<a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/EDIT01/804180343/-1/back01" target="_blank">Delta merger may help hub here</a>" the same day.<br /><br />This morning the Enquirer gave us "<a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/BIZ01/804230371/-1/back01" target="_blank">CVG hub not guaranteed</a>" and later, the news that Delta and Northwest together<a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/BIZ01/304230029/-1/back01" target="_blank"> lost more than $10 billion</a> in the first three months of the year. Delta and Northwest are very nearly bankrupt, getting hosed by high fuel prices, so it would seem prudent to exercise a little caution when proclaiming such optimism about the future of the hub here. Nothing is set in stone. The Enquirer and its editors looks foolish and naive for pumping up that news about the hub, and they look foolish again when they have to report the reality of the situation.<br /><br />If you hope to save the newspaper, you have to be committed to the belief that a well-researched and well-presented truth is worth paying for. Want boosterism and a spun truth? That's what we have politicians for.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-19984587020868092842008-04-20T09:07:00.004-05:002008-04-20T20:39:53.505-05:00Their hidden news judgmentI wasn't going to bother posting anything about today's installment of "Our Hidden Communities," until I saw the self-congratulatory rail across the bottom of pages E4 and E5 of the Forum section -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">headshots</span> and short biographies of the eight journalists who put the package together.<br /><br />This is good journalism, but it's not great. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Enquirer's</span> packaging would like you to think it's great. The influx of immigrants from Central and South America has going on for a long time, certainly more than a decade, but the Enquirer acts like it is only through their commitment of journalism that you, the reader, is learning about this. The story combines several themes that could be good stories on their own -- the impact of immigration on crime, or the impact of the raid on illegal workers at Koch Foods, the impact on schools, the immigration stances of local elected officials. For reasons barely evident to someone reading the story, the Enquirer combined these themes into one story, giving each of those themes short shrift. Once again, the Enquirer opts for the strategy that's a mile wide and an inch deep.<br /><br />There's much about this presentation I don't understand. Why was the story limited to Butler County? Surely these effects are also being seen in Hamilton County and Boone County. Past Enquirer stories have mentioned extensions of Mexican organized crime. Why wasn't that covered in today's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stories</span>? I don't understand the online presentation. I can't find the printed version of the story online, only <a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?&Dato=20080418&Kategori=CINCI01&Lopenr=304180041&Ref=AR">the Flash audio and video</a>. I can't find the story connected from the Local page or the Forum page. If anyone finds it, please email me.<br /><br />For all of 2007 I only found 11 stories in the Enquirer that dealt with the region's Hispanic population -- stories that didn't deal with specific crimes, food or festivals. It's less when you take out the two stories about the Butler County sheriff sending Mexico a bill for the cost of drug busts, and less still when you take out the stories about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WLW's</span> tasteless campaign.<br /><br />Do those eight journalists deserve a medal for this? I'm sure the Enquirer meant well, but this is a token effort to cover all the ground it has neglected to cover in the past. A real newspaper would have someone covering Hispanic issues full time, not writing stories once in a while. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Enqurier</span> needs to do much better, but they thought this was so good they had to publish the names, photos and biographies of the eight people who put this together. This shows you how low the bar is for "great" journalism at the Enquirer.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-46811053847789419202008-04-09T16:01:00.002-05:002008-04-09T16:04:53.723-05:00This speaks for itselfThis has been posted as a comment on the Pulitzer item. It is authentic, and I thought it should receive more prominence.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From: Buchanan, Margaret<br />Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 2:12 PM<br />To: MCIN-News Users<br /><br />We received a call from Gannett today that Cincinnati will be recognized as a Gold Medal Newspaper in the Best of Gannett awards to be announced Thursday. We don't have the judge's comments yet, but Phil Currie mentioned we were lauded for work on the data desk, suburban web sites, CincyMOMS and a strong commitment to public interest journalism, specifically coverage of foster care issues.<br /><br />It will also be announced that Tom Callinan will be recognized with a President's Ring, for many of the same reasons as above.<br /><br />Congratulations to Tom and the Local Information Center, as well as to all of you in other departments that also contributed to this type of success for the second straight year.<br /><br />Margaret</span><br /></blockquote>Operators are waiting now to take your subscription orders.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-22331213914767885212008-04-08T06:07:00.002-05:002008-04-08T06:24:49.188-05:00More Pulitzers the Enquirer didn't winThe <a href="http://www.pulitzer.org/" target="_blank">Pulitzer Prizes</a> for journalism <a href="http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003786622" target="_blank">were announced</a> on Monday. The Washington Post won six, the New York Times two, and the Enquirer zero. Again.<br /><br />Smaller papers weren't shut out. The Concord (N.H.) Monitor for feature photography, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for local reporting. The award for Milwaukee isn't as good as the Enquirer's Best of Gannett for local-local reporting, because the Enquirer's award is one more.<br /><br />Other smaller papers were finalists: The Portland Oregonian, Sarasota (Fla.) Herald Tribune, the Bergen Record, the Rocky Mountain News, the Cleveland Plain Dealer. No award was given this year for editorial writing. Didn't the Enquirer submit its Marcus Fiesel work?Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-55154103639020279962008-04-06T14:34:00.005-05:002008-04-06T15:12:00.179-05:00Even when they win an award, it's a jokeThe <a href="http://gannett.com/go/newswatch/2008/apr/nw0403-1.htm" target="_blank">Best of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gannett</span> awards</a> were announced on Thursday. This is so pathetic ....<br /><br />The Enquirer won three awards, and none for journalism. Nothing for public service, nothing for breaking news, nothing for investigations, nothing for freedom of information. There was one first-place award for innovation, a third place for "community conversation" and a third place for local-local news.<br /><br />The innovation was the <a href="http://data.cincinnati.com/navigator/" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CinciNavigator</span></a>. This is a good piece of work, but it's not an innovation. Other newspapers have been doing more with data for 10 years or longer. The Enquirer finally joins the party in 2007, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gannett</span> applauds. This just shows how far behind the curve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gannett</span> is. While the news awards were judged by a panel of eight people who do not work for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gannett</span>, the innovation awards were judged by three career <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gannettoids</span>.<br /><br />The community conversation was about Brenda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nesselroad</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Slaby</span> and the death of her child in a hot car. First place and second place went to the Des <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Moines</span> Register, for conversations about long-term care insurance for the elderly and the presidential primaries. Is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gannett</span> pool this shallow?<br /><br />The phrase "local-local" is a mantra in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gannett</span> and a joke everywhere else. What is local-local? It's somehow more local than local news, but not as local as local-local-local news. The Enquirer won its third-place local-local award for its coverage of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lakota</span> high school's 50<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span> anniversary, and the Lakota West marching band's trip to the Rose Bowl parade.<br /><br />Not one Enquirer award was for anything that has made a difference in this community -- no ill was corrected, no taxpayer money saved, no public policy improved, no one put in jail. Nothing embodied in these awards fulfilled what Finley Peter Dunne said a hundred years ago should be the duty of journalists -- to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The Enquirer has never been hard hitting, and now it's actually winning awards for going even softer.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-85450761331784490362008-04-05T07:35:00.005-05:002008-04-05T08:00:26.392-05:00Daugherty's ignoranceImagine God offered you a deal: You can make $5 million a year, but there's a tradeoff. Everybody will know that you make $5 million a year.<br /><br />Would you take it? Damn right you would.<br /><br />That's a deal many professional athletes make. They just don't understand it, and neither does Paul Daugherty.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080405/COL03/804050426/1082/SPT" target="_blank"> Today's column by Daugherty</a> carries the headline "Fans' fascination with dollars makes no sense." It should instead read, "Fans' fascination with dollars makes no sense to Paul Daugherty."<br /><br />This is a column written by someone who lives in a shell, a shell called the press box. A sportswriter is someone who, with a press pass and a phone call, can get into any sporting event any time for free. Even if they have to pay, a phone call to the team will get seats the team has set aside, and they'll be just great. Too many sportswriters never stand in line, never sit upstairs, never have to bear the high cost of taking a family of four to a major-league sporting event.<br /><br />Daugherty asks the questions "Why do we need to know a ballplayer's salary? Why should anyone beyond the IRS care?" without giving it 90 seconds of thought. Player salaries are a bit of information that puts sports into perspective. There are plenty of people who see the salaries and don't care and buy tickets anyways. And there are many (former) fans who see those numbers, see how much grown men are paid to play children's games, decide the system is way out of whack, and stay away. That's their right. That's how intelligent adults make informed decisions, and it's the job of journalists to provide the data that informs our decisions. Would Daugherty argue those former fans would be happier if they didn't know how much athletes make?<br /><br />Daugherty knows better than this. He needs to take a year off and attend only those events he spends his own money to attend. I question why the Enqurier allowed such an ill-conceived, pointless piece of crap like this to be published.<br /><br />There lots of people in our society not only don't care about professional sports, but they reject its fantasyland elements, the way it has been corrupted by money. Sports sections are not written for those people, but sportswriters should at least respect that people can view the big picture and make their own decisions.Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32094559.post-80425723583628986572008-04-02T12:46:00.004-05:002008-04-02T17:16:16.609-05:00Stealing from employeesThe Enquirer has set the mileage rate for the quarter:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From: xxxx, xxxx On Behalf Of Buchanan, Margaret<br />Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 11:10 AM<br />To: Cincinnati-All1<br />Subject: Gas Mileage Reimbursement<br /><br />In August, 2005, we implemented a new gas mileage reimbursement plan for our non-represented employees. The plan is based on a sliding scale tied to gas prices in this market. We indicated we would review the rate at the end of each quarter and make changes, if necessary, at the beginning of January, April, July and October of each year.<br /><br />Therefore, in keeping with this plan, and based on the "average local price index" for unleaded gas over the last three months<br /><br />(see information at http://www.feulgaugereport.com), we have determined that gas mileage reimbursement will remain at the rate of<br /><br />33 cents per mile for all business miles driven, effective March 31, 2008.<br /><br />If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dave Wuertemberger in Finance or Keith Bulling in HR.<br /><br /> Margaret Buchanan</span><br /></blockquote>See how they misspelled "fuelgaugereport.com"?<br /><br />The rate of 33 cents a mile is worse than a joke; it's immoral. It means Gannett is subsidizing its business on the backs of employees. <a href="http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com/Assets/Files/20073261133460.YourDrivingCosts2007.pdf">AAA</a> says it costs 50.5 cents per mile to run a small sedan for 10,000 miles a year, or 37.4 cents at 20,000 miles per year. This is calculated for a new car in 2006, when gas was about 40 cents a gallon cheaper than it is today. The AAA's average for all kinds of cars is 62.1 cents per mile at 10,000 miles per year, almost twice what the Enquirer is paying.<br /><br />UPDATE: To further harrass employees and makes them feel more like inmates, Gannett has embarked on an audit to make sure your kids are your kids. To claim anyone on health insurance, employees will have to submit proof, "copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, adoption records or other documents," according to a letter from corporate HR. Every time you think Gannett is soulless, that they've reached new depths of stinginess, they take it one step further. <a href="http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Employee%20benefits">Gannettblog</a> has been following this closely. Do Gannett execs honestly believe this will help save the news business?Newsachehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974979219637289337noreply@blogger.com4