Dan Kennedy has obtained a internal memo that GateHouse Media bosses sent to publishers about Claire O’Brien, the reporter they tossed under the bus when she wanted to fight a court order to testify.
It says:
But we can assure you, without violating any privacy or confidentiality concerns, that GateHouse Media vigorously stood behind Ms. O’Brien during the recent, highly publicized court case, all at our cost and expense.
Recent developments are absolutely not related to any part of that legal battle.
1. GateHouse would have us believe that one day this reporter had legal representation, suddenly decided she didn’t want legal representation, immediately told the press she was being denied representation. She was their reporter and they trusted her to cover crime courts. But when it comes to what she is saying about THEM, she’s a liar. Right. Because reporters in this economy just love risking their jobs AND jail time.
2. Her firing is “absolutely not related to any part of that legal battle.” So, her returning to work the next day and finding all the locks had been changes is just a coincidence. Right.
3. GateHouse doesn’t want to violate her privacy, but someone leaked the memo? Well, actually, what probably happened is that one of the publishers saw the memo, was appalled by the complete bullsh*t it contained and promptly leaked it to Mr. Kennedy.
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Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
"tossed under the boss"?