Black, the former USA Today publisher and "First Lady of American Magazines," reveals a telling anecdote about octogenarian retired Gannett CEO Al Neuharth in this Q&A with cackling gossipeuse Liz Smith of the New York Post:
[Hat tip, Gawker]
Thursday, January 17, 2008
5 comments:
Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."
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From stories that sources, have told me about Al misadventures. Katie's story, was somewhat tame.
ReplyDeleteNeuharth didn't reserve his paper-throwing tantrums just for executives such as Cathie Black. Back in the day, when Al and John Quinn and other top execs of the day would fly around the country for regional meetings, Al was (in)famous for throwing newspapers at editors and publishers while screaming less-than-laudatory comments about the quality of their publications. Not a nice man.
ReplyDeleteAnd re Black's mention of "The Last Supper": On that night, in a bizarre coincidence, I was in Melbourne, Fla., with a group from a Gannett newspaper to visit the Harris plant about a new production computer system. We were in the upper dining room of a restaurant and had just been served our meals when a flock of waiters entered the room and went to each table, informing diners that everyone had to leave immediately. The meals, eaten or otherwise, were on the house. The only explanation given was that a VIP had suddenly called to reserve the room, and the restaurant owner had obliged. Out of curiosity, a couple of us hung around outside the restaurant, expecting to see the POTUS or some other extraordinary dignitary arrive. Imagine our surprise when a fleet of cars pulled up and we recognized several Gannett corporate types. Of course, we had no idea what was going on at the time. We learned that only later as our budgets were slashed and our staffs raided for "loaners" to USA Today.
I'm half way through Cathie's book! She's amazing! If you find this video funny, read her book. Her ability to add witty antidotes to her life experiences, and still provide valid tips to gain success in the world is truly entertaining and applicable! And the inside stories on Neuharth and other employees are hilarious!
ReplyDeleteum, where's the video?
ReplyDelete@3:55 pm: I don't understand; it's right there, above these comments.
ReplyDelete