Take a cocky reporter and a bad-tempered fire commissioner and it is a recipe for fireworks.
Unfortunately for the commissioner, a total lack of media training and media savvy has forced him to be removed from office after a physical altercation with WJBK-TV reporter Charlie LeDuff on Tuesday, according to TV Spy.
“Working on a story about filthy conditions at a number of Detroit fire houses, LeDuff approached deputy fire commissioner Fred Wheeler on the street and things instantly went south,” noted TV Spy.
“You better get the f— away from me,” Wheeler told LeDuff once he saw him. When LeDuff stepped closer to ask a question, Wheeler slapped the microphone out of his hand.”
Rule Number One in media training: Don’t curse at reporters. Rule Number Two: Don’t knock their microphone away. Rule Number Three: Don’t just stand there like an idiot using your iPad as the reporter asks questions.
Here’s the video:
LeDuff: Some Detroit Fire Stations Need to be Condemned: MyFoxDETROIT.com
Wow…
I didn’t realize Tony Stark moonlighted as an investigative reporter.
Cocky, yes.
I think that’s what’s needed in his line of work.
The Deputy Commissioner should be ashamed of himself, Like Detroit needs more bad press.
Wow, indeed. This is a damning report. It’s rather theatrical, but quite effective. Yes, Detroit is a struggling city, but it’s not going to improve if the firefighters have to put up with those conditions.