05-27-2009 BLC EXCLUSIVE KC STAR TELECOM WRITER LEAVING FOR SPRINT In his introductory column as the Kansas City Star's new business editor Keith Chrostowski (5/26) heaped praise on a number of business reporters and editors at the newspaper. One name he did not mention was that of veteran Telecom & Technology reporter Jason Gertzen. Now we know reason for the oversight... Gertzen will be taking a newly-created position at Sprint Nextel--the company he covered for more than four years--- focusing on "external social media engagement." He will be in the troubled telecom's Communications Department, according to an internal announcement Wednesday at Sprint. Gertzen refused to confirm or deny the report, however, Christowski says it is true: "Yes, Jason is leaving the Star to work at Sprint." "I guess he was looking for a more stable position, so, of course he jumped to Sprint," joked a source. Insiders are already saying Gertzen will be the "Twitter-meister" or the "Facebook King" of Sprint. Coincidentally, we noted earlier this month (5/4) that Gertzen lavished praise on Sprint after the Kansas City-based company released its first quarter earnings report. He also did not mention a major issue involving outsourcing of several thousand Sprint jobs that was the focus of the Wall Street Journal coverage. While virtually every other major media outlet (New York Times, KMBC, Wall Streeet Journal) portrayed Sprint's earnings report in less than flattering terms, Gertzen focused on Sprint's creative TV ads and its "turnaround momentum." Gertzen's KC Star blog has also lauded Sprint as it prepares to launch its new Palm Pre on June 6: http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node).
05-28-2009 FEEDBACK: "In light of the consensus media event we can see here how Journalism/Personal interests get mixed up and cause those of us not in the sainted profession to question what we will actually lose if it all goes away. "Newspapers have lost their integrity by not doing stories on large advertisers or political candidates the newspaper favors. An example such as this where a personal relationship causes a journalist to write a piece that only looks for the positive in a very negative situation makes the profession look bad. I hope in the discussion that takes place there will be an honest look at why there is a lack of trust out there for the profession." ---Jeff in Gladstone
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