Just in case you were wondering if Howard Kurtz really is a hack or not despite the fact that on balance
today's column really isn't so bad. Howie actually looks at the non-existent coverage of the carnage of the war in Iraq. But alas, even this good deed doesn't redeem him,
Jon Friedman over at Marketwatch.com gives a sloppy wet kiss to Kurtz that shows his true colors.
some choice quotes in the extended entry section
The article starts off with a description of Howie selflessly taking a call in the airport from suspended reporter Rick Bragg of the New York Times when Mr. Kurtz was supposed to be getting on a plane to go on his honeymoon. According to Kurtz dictating that 917 word story cost WP $400 "but nobody at the Post minded."
But it really starts to get good when Friedman starts to whisper to his and run his tongue on the back of Howie's earlobe "Hey there, stud. I bet you are a very powerful man..." to Howie:
Thanks to his high productivity and visibility, Kurtz does more than anyone else to keep the media industry honest. Over the years, his scoops included reporting on such miscreants as the New York Times' Jayson Blair and USA Today's Jack Kelley. Kurtz wins accolades in the industry for being reliable, knowledgeable and, above all, open minded. That's no small compliment at a time when the media have to contend with three startling developments: the rise of blogs, the public's ever-eroding confidence in the truthfulness or fairness of the mainstream media and the polarization of red and blue America.
So glad that Howie is there for us and Mom and apple pie and freedom.
But it gets better. If you want to know the true value of Howard Kurtz go no further than this quote
"He's extremely fair," says Brian Lewis, spokesman and Senior Vice President of Fox News "If there was any pro-CNN bias in his writing, we would be the first to notice, but it has never been an issue. He's the most influential media reporter -- by far--- and a 'must read' in our place."
Must read, huh? Extremely fair? Well, again, the source is Fox News.
No matter though because
Kurtz, a likable, no-frills straight-shooter, (who)takes pleasure in good-naturedly busting people
In the end though Howard Kurtz is a bit sad about it all
asked Kurtz the key question: How does he make sure that his sources are telling him the truth and avoid falling into a trap?
"I'm very cautious," he explained. "There have been stories I haven't done or held up because I didn't feel they were 100% nailed down. You want documents or corroborating witnesses."
Kurtz takes no pleasure from writing hot scoops about careless, incompetent or corrupt journalists.
"What's bad news for journalism is often good for me as a media reporter," he said. "But it doesn't provide any joy when so many people in this business are screwing up, big time."
thanks for drooling all over HK's genitals Jon Friedman...it wasn't pretty but at least we learned something from it.