Random Weekend Stuff

Middle of the month and MAN I'm looking forward to vacation next week. I'm thinking some of the more prominent politicos around here are looking forward to my vacation, too.

How far apart were the Beacon Journal and Terry Pluto? Probably not much, especially after you read the memo from Terry to staff (posted here on the ABJ retiree blog, thanks to John Booth at Crain's Cleveland Business for the link) where some of the angst he feels is pretty obvious. I'm told the ABJ matched dollar-for-dollar the offer from the Superior Lords at the PD but it was about reach -- and keeping those faith columns. It's the latter that might have been the biggest issue at the richer Plain Dealer, not exactly known for opening up to all things God; some of the editors in Cleveland had to overcome objections to all those greater numbers of readers actually wanting a word or two on faith.

There's been some murmuring the PD has other columnists in their crosshairs, too; the fact new editor Susan Goldberg comes from a Knight-Ridder background is important. Interestingly enough, the PD isn't insulated from the same pressures squeezing newspapers but the fact they do have greater reach means they have more physical dollars to play with. One longstanding ABJ scribe says they (note I'm not ID'ing gender here) would entertain the call if it came.

The ABJ putting Doug Oplinger in the ME's post is a smart move; Doug is very well-respected and a more than solid journalist (yes, I'm a big fan of his work even though lots of broadcasters complain those stories have too many words...) and should send a message that Bruce Winges is serious about rebuilding to former glory what conventional wisdom would say is on the ropes. That's why tweaking conventional wisdom is so much fun; because it is so often wrong. Pat McManamon is also a good choice to replace Terry on the sports page.

Contrary to what the "convention wisdom" exhibits we wish the Beacon the best in restoring the paper; Akron's identity is defined by what's local, and having a strong local media is key to making sure we don't become just another Cleveland neighborhood swallowed up in Cleveland Plus-ville.

Finally the bulls battle: Coughlin's challenge to Arshinkoff for the soul of the Summit County GOP (discussed at length tonight on NewsNight Akron, PBS 45/49 and broken here on AkronNewsNow) may wind up being a brutal and very personal battle. This isn't just about turf, it's also about the up-and-coming generation of new politicians starting to flex their muscles more and more. The elder guard still has plenty of fire left in their bellies but this is the way of democracy (even among Republicans) and assuming power. Look for this to be VERY personal and potentially VERY open; it is the ultimate test of Alex's power and organizational skills versus Kevin's ability to be the next generation leader and builder. (photo: elephantvoices.com)

AUDIO Pluto PD Bound

A big splash in the local media scene today as award-winning columnist and author Terry Pluto makes what had been rumour official with a newsroom announcement this morning he was leaving the Akron Beacon Journal and will be taking his talents north to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, his hometown newspaper.

This one's been kicking around for quite some time and the official announcement on the ABJ's website from editor Bruce Winges tries to nip in the bud much of the expected speculation on losing such a franchise talent, noting it wasn't unhappiness driving Pluto's decision but the opportunity to be read by a far wider audience with the PD's considerable circulation advantage. Terry began his career -- and says he'll end it -- with the PD.
(photo: Phil Masturzo/Grey Publishers)

We were told morale took a real kick in the teeth not only from shocked co-workers on East Exchange and South Main this morning but also as word spread to those off-duty getting calls from their comrades in the newsroom. There's been plenty of talk, both private and public, on the face the new Beacon Journal would be taking once the full impact of the sale from Knight Ridder/McClatchy to Black Press Ltd. took hold. It is worth noting that, in addition to Pluto, other names gone from the pages in Akron include food writer Jane Snow, Regina Brett (also to the PD) and even hometown editor Mizell Stewart to Evansville, Indiana and Scripps Howard.

Update 4:14pm

Terry talked with WKYC's Eric Mansfield on Eric's blog (read the posting here) and says he's not leaving because the Beacon is in any trouble but notes the great opportunity. Eric also has some great points in noting how the news doesn't rip readers, who will still have plenty of Pluto access but it does show problems for the ABJ in the local passion department. I recall an interview Ray Horner and I conducted with David Black (Black Press Ltd. owner; link is to WAKR site, scroll down to access audio from the interview) in June 2006 shortly after he took over the ABJ; he came across as a guy who knew his business and said the right things about local coverage but letting this franchise player go is a head-shaker. The same observations come from John Booth on Crain's Cleveland Business in his blog (posted here), noting he made Pluto must-reading even when he lived in Orlando and finds the spin from the ABJ's editor head-shaking.

The Plain Dealer's new editor Susan Goldberg, meanwhile, is ecstatic at the "get". Here's audio with AkronNewsNow and WAKR's Toni Cicone on landing Pluto back on 18th and Superior.

This really IS a big deal in the local media, not just for sports fans; Terry Pluto was as much the fabric of morning habits and setting the agenda for the watercooler as Mickey Porter used to be at the ABJ...some of you are even long in the tooth enough to remember the same when it came to reading a Fran Murphy story. The real assets of any media organization aren't the transmitters, printing presses, rolls of newsprint paper or event the latest web-friendly gadgets and schemes: it's the people. For the folks working to regroup and rejuvenate the ABJ this has to be a big blow.