(Updated early April 3, to add detail from the 2005 tax returns.)
The non-profit Freedom Forum's Newseum (above) opens on April 11 in Washington, D.C., and you guys will probably write more stories about this museum devoted to the news media. There's already been much critical comment about the building's $450 million price tag -- a lot of money, when newspapers are wielding a machete on newsroom employment. "The notion of opening a monument to the monumental egos of media people just seems self-indulgent,'' MarketWatch's Jon Friedman says today.
I'd like to know more about the people running the Freedom Forum -- many of whom have deep Gannett connections -- and how much they get paid. Long-time Gannett employees will recall that, under former CEO Al Neuharth, the Freedom Forum had a history of questionable spending.
So, how's about USA Today taking a peek at the Freedom Forum's financial records? It's a non-profit, so it files tax returns annually; they're public documents. The most recent return I can find on GuideStar is from 2005 -- pretty old. Still, after flipping through a couple of pages, I can say this much: Freedom Forum folks pay themselves really, really well at the top! Hello, Charles "Ka-ching" Overby! And just as interesting: Neuharth's former chief of staff, Chris Wells, who now has a very long title: Senior vice president/international initiatives and Free Spirit programs.
The return also showed big payments to architects and construction management firms. And that was back in 2005. The 2006 return -- and maybe even 2007's -- ought to be available at the Freedom Forum's offices in Washington. I've already done the heavy lifting on one story, about the Gannett Foundation. I explained how to find and analyze these tax returns. The Freedom Forum is too far off my beat. And it's right in your backyard.
[Image: Newseum]
I don't know, but I'm gonna steer clear of WILMA MANKILLER at the reception if you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteWilma Mankiller, former principal chief of the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation, isn't as formitable as her name might suggest. Powerful woman, yet. Danger to Whigs? probably not.
ReplyDeleteThe Newseum is a good thing. At a time when the newspaper industry is eagerly destroying itself, a celebration, even if excessive, of journalism's crucial role is no small thing.
ReplyDeleteThe kids I saw during the recent open house for Gannett employees were wide-eyed and the interactivity plays directly to a generation who likely will never hold a newspaper in their hands as an adult. But the mission will be the same.
Plus, having the First Amendment carved in high relief across from the Capitol can't hurt either.
So yes, the media cynics can sneer, but there are worse things to waste money on, as this blog highlights daily!
Right, down the street from the White House? Believe if Al could have, put the Newseum, inside the White House, he would have. In so as the Freedom Forum having old cronies, of Al's, from Gannett> I do know a lot, I just received something today. To be HONEST, about the whole situation. I have to be OBJECTED, about this whole matter. Gannett is not the only thing I am investigating, but people who came out of nowhere and are writing a blog about Gannett? So if you have any secrets Jim, about your stay at USA TODAY, you might as well tell me now? Cause I will fine out!
ReplyDeleteIf you fine out something, please tell us what you fine.
ReplyDeleteBut first, you probably should think about fineing your meds.
Regards,
-- someone who is not objected about the matter.
I'm not suggesting the Newseum is a good thing, or a bad thing. I'm just asking how the money is being managed at the museum's parent organization.
ReplyDeleteIs Chris Wells' husband, David Mazzarella, the same guy who was once USA Today's top editor?
ReplyDeleteYes. Chris Wells' husband is former USA Today Editor Dave Mazzarella.
ReplyDeleteWhat's Mazzarella doing now?
ReplyDelete