With the subtlety of a thermonuclear blast, Mike James signed off Friday after 19 years as the self-styled “surly editor” of NewsBlues.com, the daily subscription newsletter on the local television news business. Reflecting on his two decades as an often cynical but always insightful chronicler of the industry, James offered a scorched-earth valedictory to his readers.
Fired News Director Sues WKRN, Blogger
Former WKRN Nashville News Director Matthew Zelkind left the station in early March. The station didn’t give a reason at the time, only issuing a statement from station manager Steve Watt saying, “We wish him the best in the future.” Rumors have been circulating for weeks as to the real reasons behind Zelkind’s departure after 18 years in two stints at the station. Now Zelkind has filed two lawsuits over his departure, one claiming a breach of contract by the station and its owner, Media General, and the second claiming defamation by NewsBlues blogger Mike James.
