Rendell for mayor in 2011? October 30, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: Ed Rendell, Esquire, Mayor, Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Magazine
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AP Photo | Some Philadelphians favor Gov. Ed Rendell to return as the city's mayor.
How would you like to have one of the world’s 75 best people back as mayor of Philadelphia?
Gov. Ed Rendell, whom Esquire magazine talked up in its October issue, is a favorite for some to challenge Mayor Michael Nutter in the city’s democratic mayoral primary in 2011, according to Philadelphia magazine.
As stated in the brief:
Lots of movers and shakers think the solution to the city’s problems lies in a Rendell run. “I know people who asked Ed if he’d consider it,” says the CEO. “People are upset. There’s no communication from the current mayor, no direction, no sense that there’s anyone there.”
Rendell responded, saying he’d only run if all 1.4 million Philadelphians signed a petition asking him to do so.
I’m not endorsing. Simply providing links.
Union may walk if SEPTA strikes out October 30, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Philadelphia.Tags: 2009 World Series, Philadelphia Inquirer, SEPTA, SEPTA strike, The Temple News
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...for now.
At least the Phillies are taking Amtrak.
If history is any indication, there’s probably going to be a transit strike. SEPTA‘s largest union, TWU Local 234, is threatening a walk-out that could leave thousands of commuters stranded.
@SEPTA has released two seemingly unrelated “news” stories on its Web site — “World Series Information” and “Service Interruption Guide.”
The “World Series Information” article lists important details about service to and from the World Series games, including increased local service in addition to Sports Express trains running every 10 minutes. This is fantastic and really shows SEPTA’s commitment to getting you to the games, until you read the next article…
The “Service Interruption Guide,” which makes no reference to the World Series article (and visa versa), suggests the following:
- Take Regional Rail.
- Alter your work schedule to avoid peak-hour trains.
- Redeem your Trans/TrailPass if necessary.
Broad Street does have sidewalks extending from City Hall to Citizens Bank Park. Estimated travel time (walking): 50 minutes.
Just like back in 2005, SEPTA and TWU Local 234 have locked themselves in a hotel (the Old City Holiday Inn) to hash out a new contract, conveniently just in time for Philadelphia to be on the national stage for the World Series. The union has been without a contract since the spring. At the core of the negotiations, similar to 2005: wages, benefits and pensions.
This time, though, both parties have new negotiators at the top. TWU spokesperson Robert Wolper, perhaps mimicking an old, popular SEPTA slogan (knowingly or unknowingly), said in reference to negotiations, “We’re getting there. Slowly.”
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, SEPTA is hesitant to dish more money to the union since ridership is down (it reached a peak last year when gas prices jumped), state/federal funding is questionable and operating costs are rising.
The union has set a deadline for Saturday at 12:01 a.m., but a strike could occur before that, the article said.
A strike would affect most city bus routes (except LUCY and CCT Connect/Paratransit), trolleys and subways. Regional Rail will be operating normally, yet with an expected increase in passengers.
Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania are providing shuttles to students, faculty and staff should the strike happen, similar to their plans in 2005. Both universities also encourage carpooling.
For a thoughtful reminder of the 2005 strike, check out The Temple News’ award winning coverage, to which I was proud to contribute:
- Transit workers walk off the job
- Commuters crowd Broad Street shuttles
- Emergency plans put into action
- Dean briefs TSG on transit options
But the all-important question: Will the popular “SEPTA Race to Citizens Bank Park” air at the World Series?
Dawn Stensland released by Fox 29 October 23, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism, Philadelphia.Tags: Coming Clean, Dawn Stensland, Fox29, Larry Mendte, Twitter
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It was the tweet heard around Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Fox 29 anchor Dawn Stensland updated Twitter to say:
Fox is not renewing my contract. I wanted you to hear that directly from me. Thank you for all your love and support over the years.
Stensland, who has been the main anchor on Fox for eight years, anchored the 10 p.m. news Tuesday night and followed it up with special post-midnight coverage of the Phillies’ NLCS clinch.
That broadcast would be her last. After gossipers reported that a timeframe for her departure had not been determined, it was announced on Wednesday, one day after her tweet, that she had been released immediately.
Kerri-Lee Halkett, Emmy Award winner for Best Anchor, will take over the 10 p.m. newscast.
As evidenced by Stensland’s Twitter page, many fans are outraged by the ousting. Her husband, ex-anchor Larry Mendte, called out Fox 29 in one of his tweets:
The amount of Love that my wife @DawnStensland is getting on her Facebook Page is insane – R U seeing this @Fox29Philadelphia
This week, King of Prussia-based company Banyan Productions announced its pitch of Coming Clean, hosted by Mendte. The syndicated show, which is being pitched to programming directors across the nation, would be a day-and-date show that would examine national and local headlines and “be an advocate for the truth,” according to the demo.
The Temple News: Then and Now October 23, 2009
Posted by Chris Stover in Journalism.Tags: Journalism, The Temple News
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The following is an article published in The Temple News on Oct. 13, 2009. Past staff members discussed how the newspaper has impacted their personal and professional lives. For some, it’s been decades. For others, it’s been weeks.
CHRIS STOVER
Editor in Chief, 2008-2009
I never aspired to become the editor-in-chief of The Temple News. As an unassuming freshman in 2005, I did what I was told. I wrote whatever the editors needed, covering topics from SEPTA to ramen noodles.
Little did I know these stories would prepare me to cover slightly more notable events, including a World Series run and a historic presidential election.
As a broadcast journalism major, I was a rarity at the paper. Peers always asked me why, as an aspiring broadcaster, I chose to spend my time writing and editing articles instead of shooting stand-ups. When I inherited the editorship in 2008, these questions made me realize that The Temple News should no longer be seen solely as the school newspaper. Rather, it should be considered Temple’s media organization. This thought always remained in the back of my mind.
Entering my senior year at TTN, I had the pleasure of leading 25 like-minded individuals from various backgrounds. And when you shove those 25 people in one newsroom under immeasurable stress, failure is a distinct possibility. It was a possibility I thankfully never experienced.
Instead, the staff channeled that energy into creating fantastic copy, design, video packages and Web products. Our hard work week after week paid off, as evidenced by numerous Keystone Press Awards, an ACP Online Pacemaker nomination and, perhaps most impressive, an Editor & Publisher EPpy Award for Best College Newspaper Web Site.
The TTN experience will always be a highlight of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to refine my own multimedia reporting skills, but I was also able to witness the incredible talents of my peers.
To think that a job I initially had no desire to pursue would become one of the defining moments of my life continues to amaze me. It never crossed my mind that the irreplaceable experiences – and the lifelong friends – were part of the deal.
TTN has had a rich history in 88 years, and I’m privileged to have played a small role. In this evolving multimedia world, I look forward to seeing the accolades and achievements of TTN’s future generations
