The Top Cop trying to handle the Ferguson, Missouri violence thinks "a lot" of the media is playing a part in enabling protestors.
Captain Ron Johnson is accusing some reporters of swarming around hecklers and allowing them to "glamorize their activity".
Johnson also praised other media organizations for acting 'responsibly'.
The only thing glamorous I've seen, is Don Lemon wearing a bullet-proof vest and a gas mask.
Either Fareed Zakaria is a copycat or someone surely has a hard-on to get him.
The CNN, Time, Washington Post journalist is facing new charges of Plagiarism (although he no longer works for Time).
In 2012, Zakaria apologized and said he made a 'terrible mistake' after lifting part of a New Yorker essay by Jill Lepore.
Zakaria says the new allegations aren't about someone else's work, but facts he used in his stories.
My question is: When was the last time ANYONE sat around talking about Zakaria's great stories? Has he done a dirty dining story? Or 'what to do if a bear attacks' story?
We all know the greatest chance of dying, being poisoned in your kitchen, or attacked by a bear comes during Nov, Feb, May and July. But have you really paid attention to network news?
If you have, then you know we have a tough time going to the bathroom, suffer severe heartburn, can't breathe or worse, can't 'perform'! And that's just the commercials.
I've often wondered how you're supposed to talk to your kids about the terrible things going on in the world or WORSE - 'erectile dysfunction'?
This is a pretty funny analysis by marketing guru Paul Greeley.
Remember last week when FTVLive FIRST told you that WPIX News Director Mark Effron was going to be bounced?
Then Tribune PR person Jessica Bellucci emailed FTVLive to say that Effron was not gone.
FTVLive followed up that story telling you that we had an impeccable source that told us that Effron was leaving the station.
Many doubted FTVLive's information, afterall a Trubune PR person said that our story wasn't true. So clearly, FTVLive must have got bad information....Right?
Well here is the internal memo that Mark Effron sent out to the staff Today:
When Larry Wert talked to me early last year about joining WPIX as VP/News Director, I made clear my intention to view it as a two year mission (coinciding with my--gasp--65th birthday). After this May, when we started to see the beginnings of a ratings turnaround based on the quality, aggressive journalism we've been producing on-air and on digital platforms, I reminded Larry and Rich about my desire to transition into something that would allow me to continue to work in the field that I'm so passionate about, but in a different way. I've been approached about both teaching as well as consulting and both have great appeal, since they would allow me to give back--and also have more time to spend with my wonderful family, my writing, etc.
So now begins the transition. This is a great time for me, and a great time for our news. We've shown what we can do--and the audience is responding. While other newscasts are declining, we are gaining audience--surpassing both WNBC and WNYW at 5pm. We are becoming a digital force in New York. Our peers have recognized our work with all of the major awards: from a Murrow to countless Emmys, AP awards and more. I could not be prouder of what we've accomplished together or feel better about the direction we are heading in. I'll be here for awhile, helping Rich, steering the ship, and paving the way.
Thanks to all of the wonderful folks at WPIX who have made this part of the journey so satisfying: Larry Wert, who has been a mentor and a colleague as well as a boss, and Rich Graziano. Rich and I started out as a shotgun marriage, but ultimately became partners in crime--and lasting friends.
By day he's just your average Reporter, but at night Don Lemon dons a bullet proof vest and gas mask and tries to become the new Arthur Kent (Google it kids):
It's not looking good for Bill O'Reilly right now in the latest CharityBuzz.com auction.
So far, "The Factor" host is only getting $1,050.
Over at MSNBC, Lawrence O'Donnell is at $1,500 and that includes lunch for 4!
Personally, I'm trying to decide whether to bid on the shopping spree with Kate Upton?
Or, a 1-hour Hot Yoga session with Jessica Alba?
As FTVLive was the first to report back in July, Bill Lord was going to be out as Sinclair closed on the sale of WJLA.
Today Sinclair announced his replacement: Dan Mellon. Mellon was running Sinclair's ABC & FOX stations in Columbus, OH and was a group manager.
Good luck, Dan. Not everyone can say they replaced the Lord.
It's my second day on the job and I have to admit - this isn't easy. First of all, there's a lot of writing! Then there's the whole 'making sure it's right' crap.
Then the phone keeps ringing with all kinds of people dishing dirt on people I've never heard of?
So far, the only good part is the half-naked selfies that some reporters and anchors are sending. No wonder Scott never takes any days off?
Don't forget, the best 'bribe' (or selfie) could get you a great story. Except for you, Geraldo.
A senior editor for NBC News is leaving the peacock to become managing editor of Marijuana.com. Al Olson says he's been a journalist and weed advocate since he was 14 - the age he smoked his first joint.
His first professional journalism gig? Fact checker for Mother Jones.
Maybe Al should have fact-checked the NBC headline: "First Man On The Moon, Neil Young, Dies"? Or the Brian Williams script that mistook Nigeria for Kenya? Oh Dude.... wait a minute... maybe.......
So Brian Williams is headed back to work after grabbing some pizza for lunch. As he walks into 30 Rock, he passes a tour guide who tells his group, "Ladies and gentlemen, there's Tom Brokaw."
Or wait, was it Al Olson who said that?
The union that represents on-camera talent in television and film, is finally getting around to "condemning" the treatment of journalists in Ferguson, Missouri.
Some of the AFTRA folks in St. Louis probably called their rep and said, "Hey, what am I paying you for while I'm getting gassed out in the field"?
Now that the union is involved, I'm sure the police will stand down. Or is that because Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are there? Where's Jimmy Hoffa when you need him?
Anyway, here's the 'condemnation' statement if anyone cares.
I know I said I was going on vacation, but I can't stay away.
Here's an interesting story out of St. Louis.
KMOV News Director Brian Thouvenot has ordered up 10 gas masks for the news crews. It has almost become a must piece of equipment for the crews sent into Ferguson.
Thouvenot sent a memo to the staff telling them that he placed the order. The first line of his memo starts with "Didn’t think this would be an order placed in my time as news director, let alone the first year."
Yeah, usually News Directors don't order gas masks until year 3 and that's because of the bullshit smell coming from the Sales Department.
Here's the internal memo obtained by FTVLive:
From: Brian Thouvenot
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2014 3:57:56 PM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
To: KMOV News
Cc: Mark Pimentel; Peggy Milner
Subject: Gas masks on order
Didn’t think this would be an order placed in my time as news director, let alone the first year.
However, due to the frequent use of tear gas in Ferguson to disperse crowds I have ordered 10 gas masks. I want them with Reporters/Photographers using the Live U’s for the most part.
Despite having a gas mask, do not feel like you can act in a manner that puts you in harm’s way. This is for protection purposes only and I hope they do not have to be used.
Your safety is always the top priority.
Brian Thouvenot
News Director KMOV TV
After 39 years with WBZ, anchor Jack Williams is taking a break. Williams announced that he will be reducing his workload in order to spend more time with his family.
Usually that phrase is reserved for people pushed out or not renewed, but in this case, Williams will continue his "Wednesday's Child" segment and fill-in anchor from time to time.
Of course behind closed doors, the suits at CBS are probably giddy over the money they're going to save on Jack's salary.
You can watch Jack's 'Goodbye' by clicking here.
Maryann Vaughn
FOX 29 in Philadelphia has upped Maryann Vaughn to Assistant News Director.
She has been the executive producer of 'Good Day Philadelphia'.
Vaughn replaces Sarah Graham Schlotfeldt who ran the day-to-day operation for the past 6 years.
Sarah Graham Schlotfedlt
Schlotfeldt is leaving the newsroom to become an Agent with MediaStars.
I have some bad news for the guys in Chicago.
WMAQ Weekend Weather Anchor Cheryl Scott is leaving the station. Her last day is September 14th.
WMAQ GM Frank Whittaker says the station offered Scott a new deal, but she passed on the deal.
“We appreciate Cheryl’s contributions over the past three years, and wish her the best in the future,” Whittaker told staffers in a memo.
There a lot of guys still living in their Mom's basement that are very sorry to hear this news.
H/T Robert Feder
OK, I swear, I'm now going on vacation.
As you know, FTVLive has sources all across the globe. Even the parts where there aren't many people. We hear things are 'heating up' in Anchorage? By the looks of this photo, I'd say Al Gore is right!
How long do you think she'll stay in the great white north? I hear Agents calling in 3... 2... 1.
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