News Blab 2008 - It's about News

He didn't say that!

- Readers react -

5/9/08: I received more than a few "Got a tip?" forms concerning yesterday's, "I'll propel you to number 1 by July", write-up. A number appeared to possibly be from inside KRDO, or from people who know people, who know people, who may be inside KRDO. Anyway... those tips told me that the newly placed KRDO ND never said what I wrote he said. But he may have said that his goal was to see them as number 1, but it would take some time and wouldn't happen over night. And that he planned to make them work harder.

He even is standing up to the "dead weight" that is floating around the station. I'm guessing every station has a few floaters that like to hide in the shadows. I know we have more than a few where I work.

Another reader said this -

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message: "KRDO may be #1 by July for the Noon show, but that is about it. They go balls to the wall with that show, and they even dropped a spot last book for noon.
One thing about KRDO, they are trying very hard, but what will it get false hopes?
I, too, have noticed that KRDO has been putting a ton of effort in the shows, and doing as much as they can, but I do not know if it will pay off.
If, in fact KRDO makes a anchor change from John and Nina, to Erik and Heather, GOOD for all the other stations, 13 will drop more in the ratings.
It is also not hard to notice, that KOAA is having a REALLY, REALLY good book, better than most. KOAA has alot of stories that others are missing, they all the other stations have to play catch-up on.

Divide Fire
6yr old Hit by Car
Valentines Day murder guy arrested again
Bad Water in Rye

Just to name a few over the past week or two, granted, KOAA and others do miss stuff too.
Thanks for doing this web page and allowing us to speak out."

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On another subject... one reader wants to know what ever happened to KKTV's plans to build their own Doppler radar?

Aliens in Denver?

5/9/08: Do you remember TaRhonda Thomas, who was once at KOAA? Well... it looks like she is on top of this outer space alien thing in Denver. Check it out:

From the 9News website

"I'll propel you to number 1 by July", says new ND?

- Words for thought -

5/8/08: Thanks to a "Got a tip?" form I received today, I was able to share what the newly placed ND for KRDO News Channel 13 was purported to have said to employees of the station at the start of 'May Sweeps'. "I'll propel you to number 1 by July", whether those are the exact words spoken or some similar, the fact is... the words would have been a good motivational tool then, but is what they are implying really doable?

I did notice a boost in the number of stories being put out by KRDO during the first week of May Sweeps. It made my head spin for the first couple of days. I thought they may have been going for a world record. It made me sit up and take notice, at first. But then the numbers began to dwindle, and the subject matter of some, became questionable. They were running out of steam. But I will admit, coming out of the gate they were poised to possibly do some major gaining. Maybe not to that dream of number 1, but a gain non-the-less.

Taking away the number 1 spot from KOAA News First is definitely a challenge. Something KRDO, or KKTV, or KXRM would love to do. But, it's become an even higher hurdle to jump, after the event of this week.

It's amazing how one story can make such a difference, but I think KOAA has once again assured their number 1 spot with the John Newsome story.

You've got to admit... no other story has been 'advertised' by so many, both locally and nationally. It would be hard for a person filling out the upcoming diary to ignore those four letters... K-O-A-A.

As gallant a try as the others have made... I seriously doubt the stories they have aired, as good as they may have been, will be remembered like that of a drinking DA.

What else does KOAA have on John Newsome?

5/8/08: Since everyone seems to be focused on the current flurry over the latest KOAA investigative report done on DA John Newsome, have you already forgotten the little tidbit dropped during the original LIVE airing of the report on News First? I haven't... but then again I try to remember even the subtle hints.

I seem to recall Mr. Jarman saying something about... what we were about to see was just one of the things KOAA was looking into. Those anonymous tipsters he mentioned, both insiders and outsiders, may have dropped a few more hints to Jarman. What do you think... will there be a follow-on investigative report?

Photos by News Blab

This is what a fed-meter looks like.

Confucius say, "Media who feed meter get good news stories".

A fed meter is a happy karma meter.

KOAA didn't give Newsome 'sufficient opportunity' to respond?

5/8/08: That is the claim the Gazette said Newsome made to them. News First ND Cindy Aubrey makes sure to answer that claim and much more in a Gazette article (Hidden-camera ethics), seen in today's edition. Also contained on the front page of today's Gaz, in the article (Newsome: "I sincerely apologize"), is the statement that Newsome 'is no longer disputing the KOAA report'.

Gazette - Hidden-camera ethics article, HERE

Gazette - Newsome: "I sincerely apologize" article, HERE

WOW... this KOAA 5/30 News First investigative report sure has our media community hopping! If it weren't for KOAA 5/30 News First putting this on-air... what would have been the other stations Top Stories?

Maybe KRDO News Channel 13 could have seen if Newsome fed the parking meter while he was in that bar during the 4 p.m. timeframe. Now there's a story!

Photos by News Blab

KRDO news van with "red meter" meaning it was un-fed, during Monday's (5 April), Lamberth verdict trial.

The same meter, opposite side view showing 00:00 time.

Fox 21 busts KRDO's 'Exclusive' claim

5/7/08: When KRDO claimed 'Exclusive' regarding their sit down interview with DA John Newsome, the subject of last night's KOAA investigative report, I wondered how many "Got a tip?" forms I would receive. The answer is 6, all skeptical about KRDO's 'Exclusive' claim. Is it real?

Well, that question was soon answered when KXRM Fox 21 aired their 9 p.m. newscast. They too had a sit down interview with Newsome, one that was more detailed and more in-depth. So, not only did Fox 21 bust KRDO's 'Exclusive ' claim, they also managed to get Newsome to talk about what happened in more detail than anyone else, so far.

Note: According to information shared on their latest newscast, KOAA has tried to talk with Newsome on-camera, but has not been able to make that connection. Newsome did make a brief mention to Fox 21 that KOAA has not yet talked with him.

UPDATE: KKTV 11 News had an on-camera interview with Newsome during their 10 p.m. newscast.

KOAA is the only station that Newsome hasn't talked with since the News First investigative report about him aired last night.

Sad news from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

5/7/08: CMZ news release:

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO�S
MATRIARCH HIPPOPOTAMUS EUTHANIZED
May 7, 2008 � Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is sad to report that Maggie, the Zoo�s 34-year-old Nile hippopotamus, lost her battle with mounting health complications and was euthanized overnight. Maggie, the Zoo�s grand-matriarchal hippopotamus was plagued with chronic lameness and arthritis.

The Zoo�s Director of Conservation and Animal Health, Dr. Della Garelle stated, �the decision to euthanize Maggie was made due to her deteriorating body condition and the discomfort she was experiencing with her arthritis in her hind quarters. Her chronic lameness had resulted in a significant weight loss and a general loss of body condition. In the end, her age could have also been a factor in her down turn in health.� The life span for a hippopotamus is approximately 35-40 years.

Animal Care Manager Roxanna Breitigan remarked, �She was a tough old girl and was definitely grandma-in-charge.� Ms. Bretigan, who is the care supervisor for the Zoo�s hippos also said, �She had a good life and had a lot of babies. The Zoo�s vet and animal staffs did all that was possible to treat Maggie and keep her comfortable during her illness. Everyone loved Maggie, she will be missed so much.�

Maggie, an iconic favorite of Zoo guests, was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on February 26, 1974 to parents Anthony (Tony) and Cleopatra. During her life, the female hippo had given birth to ten calves at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Maggie�s daughter Samantha, who was moved to the Denver Zoo, eventually gave birth to two granddaughters, 15-year-old Zambezi (zam-BEE-zee) and eight-year-old Kasai (kuh-SIGH), who were sent down to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to keep their grandmother company.

Zoo visitors are encouraged to celebrate Maggie�s life with personal remembrances on-line at cmzoo.org, in a letter, or personally at the Zoo with Aquatics� building staff.

Photo by News Blab

The last photo I took of all three hippos together. This was taken last month on Apr 4th 2008.

KOAA's DA investigation gets other stations... reacting

5/7/08: KOAA may have been the first to bring to light the drinking and driving habits of John Newsome and his 'second in command' with the airing of yesterday's newscast, but they were not the only station that discussed the actions of the DA in today's newscast. Both KKTV and KRDO jumped on this "HOT" issue during their Wednesday evening editions.

KKTV 11 News did a phone interview with John Newsome and an on-camera interview with an El Paso County Attorney, while KRDO had an on-camera interview with John Newsome; something they touted as an exclusive.

While KKTV stayed more inline with the facts, discussing what happened in the video, allowing Newsome to apologize and discuss a bit about how he feels and what his plans are... KRDO took a much different route.

IMHO, KRDO News Channel 13's Eric Singer appeared to allow his report to take on a confrontational tone. Not confrontational toward Newsome, but more along the lines of trying to devalue KOAA's investigative report. To this viewer, it was very obvious that the two stations are competitors and it's May Sweeps, especially since the KRDO Newsome report reflected that, loud and clear.

Next time KRDO, follow the path that KKTV took. They left the emotions out and the news in.

Denver media starting to run District Attorney John Newsome story

5/7/08: Denver media outlets are stating to pick up and run the KOAA story about DA John Newsome. The Rocky Mountain News and Denver Examiner have posted stories on their websites. I'm sure they will have it in print tomorrow.

UPDATE: The Associated Press picked up on the story. KRDO just ran the AP version on their website.

UPDATE: The Denver Post website is running the AP version.

UPDATE: The Denver CBS4 website is running the AP version.

UPDATE: KKTV's website has the AP version.

UPDATE: The Glenwood Springs Post Independent website has the AP version.

2008 'Rising Star' seen in KOAA video story

5/7/08: Amy Mullaney, the assistant district attorney seen at a local bar with DA John Newsome in last night's KOAA video was recently named a 2008 Rising Star by The Colorado Springs Business Journal.

Press release excerpt -

District Attorney John Newsome is proud to announce that two prosecutors, Amy Mullaney and Donna Billek were named Rising Stars by The Colorado Springs Business Journal during an April 24, 2008 presentation which recognized 38 business leaders under 40 who have made significant contributions to their chosen field and community. Mr. Newsome said It is an honor for the community to recognize Amy and Donna as two prosecutors who have dedicated their lives to improving our community and fighting for crime victims who can't fight for themselves.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Mullaney began her career as a prosecutor in 1996. As second in command she overseas the daily operations of the office, which employs 200 people, in addition to prosecuting high-profile homicide cases and serving as liaison with all area military installations. Ms. Mullaney was elected vice president of the Colorado District Attorney Council, whose mission is to promote, foster and encourage an effective administration of criminal justice throughout the State of Colorado. Ms. Mullaney is an elected trustee with the El Paso County Bar Association and is active with the local KIDPOWER chapter that teaches safety to children.

Read the entire press release, HERE

KOAA versus DA or DA versus KOAA

- El Paso County DA threatens to sue KOAA 5/30 -

From KOAA website

5/7/08: According to a statement made during a report done by KOAA's James Jarman during Tuesday nights newscast, the El Paso County District Attorney has threatened to sue KOAA News First.

That after Jarman contacted DA John Newsome prior to airing a story Jarman was going to present to viewers. Jarman explained what they had on Newsome, and wanted comment from the DA about his actions. Newsome, who returned the call to Jarman's cell phone, said he wouldn't do an on-camera interview. It was during that cell phone call that Jarman said Newsome threatened to sue.

The story that first aired Tuesday night, a hidden camera investigation, shows John Newsome and Assistant District Attorney Amy Mullaney allegedly drinking beer during work hours, and then Newsome allegedly driving a county owned vehicle. Then, after attending a county run citizens meeting, Newsome goes to another bar where he and a fellow employee drink more beer. Newsome is then shown in his vehicle driving away.

The KOAA employee who tailed and filmed Newsome and Mullaney, kept a count of the beer consumed by each, and a log of their actions. The KOAA report states that this type of activity occurred on more than one occasion.

WOW... now this 'Sweeps Story' beats all others... so far! And I don't think this is the last we'll hear about this...

More can be seen on the KOAA website, HERE

KKTV owned yesterday's news, with teamwork and running

5/6/08: While Rosie Barresi worked to gather the story inside the courthouse, Mindy Stone and Mike Petkash worked the outside. But when the big news came... they all worked together to get it out first. Even as Rosie and her photog shot video and took notes during the sentencing, Barresi knew what had to be done when that sentence was read.

A quick text message to Mindy was the catalyst that started the news team rolling, and moments later the information about the "96years!" was out to viewers... LIVE and first.

Even after the sentence was read, Mindy and Mike kept vigilant for those family members and friends who attended the hearing, as they departed the building. Poised at the street corner, so they could see both sides of the building where someone might exit, they waited and watched. And when a potential interview was spotted, they were off and running. And although no one wanted to appear on-camera, they were able to get some off camera quotes from family or friends.

As I watched the news team from KKTV work as "a team", I also noticed some of the other stations as they prepared to go on-air... and I just didn't see what I was seeing with KKTV. That is why, KKTV owned yesterday's news.

Photos by News Blab

Mindy Stone LIVE shot at 5:30 p.m.

Mindy Stone getting Rosie Barresi's text message - "96 years!"

Mindy and Mike getting ready to go back LIVE to announce verdict.

Talking with one of Natalie Jensen's friends who was in the courtroom with her for support.

Running to talk with Jared Jensen's sister (in red sweater with purse on shoulder).

Approaching others in the Jensen family as they leave the courthouse; hoping for an interview.

Other media members come out of the courthouse.

Discussing the trial and more.

96 years! read the text message

5/5/08: The text message announcing the extended Lamberth sentence came across the KKTV reporter's phone moments after she finished her 5:30 p.m. LIVE shot. It would be just a couple more minutes before she would announce the verdict LIVE over the air. KKTV's Mindy Stone was the LIVE reporter outside the courthouse, while KKTV reporter Rosie Barresi listened for the verdict inside.

And when it came, Rosie sent her text message to Mindy, while Mike Petkash readied the camera for their Breaking News LIVE shot. They were first on-air with the news and performed very impressive team-work tactics while covering this Top News story.

More on the KKTV team-work coverage and other media pics, tomorrow...

Photo by News Blab

The actual KKTV text message sent by Rosie Barresi to Mindy Stone.

He will die in prison!

5/5/08: Today Jereme Lamberth was found guilty of being a habitual criminal, extending his sentence for killing CSPD Detective Jared Jensen to 96 years. Lamberth will now more than likely die in prison.

Photos by News Blab