Zell's four-letter response to a journalist raises questions ab...

You go Zell! You're in the driver's seat AND you own the car!

Commence the "Firings"!

I worked for a Zell-owned company for a few years.

As a first line supervisor, I was asked to give my opinion several times by folks several tiers above me. I was able to be blunt while being respectful. I had felt that my opinions were heard, taken under consideration, and acted upon.

I couldn't imagine getting this reaction unless I was being demonstrably disrespectful. And hell, the guy did answer her question in a very straightforward manner.

"What readers want are puppy dogs," Fajardo said, alluding to soft feature stories."

Is she joking? Fire her for assuming the majority of readers are stupid.

I saw this exchange via feed. Zell was RIGHT, and (although you cant see her in the vid) had a snippy (possibly dismissive) tone.

Maybe she's mad her position could be on the CHOPPING BLOCK.

I'd want my CEO telling it like it is! Cursing included!

Note to "offended" questioner: Can't take the heat...get out. Glad to see he's not going to cater to anyone.

hmm what was th "epithet" how abotu spotting us the first and last letters?

An owner with cajones. Apparently the editorial page editor at the Sun-Times didn't understand Zell's point, and maybe also some others at the Tribune papers.

I have to agree with the big guy. I am assuming the article is factually accurate and the employee did react in the manner described. If a person is trying to answer your question, have the common decency to here the speakers entire response and accept it. You may not agree, but don't try to show that speaker up by being disrespectful while the answer is being given. If you must, ask a legitimate follow up question to more directly pin the speaker down. The way this went down is so tactless...in a "professional" newsroom no less. You want to act that way, go to the bar and argue Florida vs Florida St. with the locals.

Anyone who knows Zell or has ever even talked to him knows that his conversations are always full of profanity. No reasons to think that will change just because he bought a paper.

Imagine - Tribune with a new attitude - I lost my job with Tribune corporate because I asked too many questions! This must be a tough pill to swallow for those conservative suits in the tower!

Mr. Zell,

It's about time that someone speaks about reality in the work place. I am all for challenging management, having fun and respecting opinions.

I am going to send you my resume.

Rosenthal is earning his keep the last couple days. His mark is all over the place. No Pink Slip For You.

What Zell was suggesting is the same thing that Macy's, Nordstrom's, Target or Wal-Mart do: Consider the customer's wishes and desires. And that means ALL the customers, not just the ones who fit the reporter's or editor's biases. Too many media people appeal to just their own side of the spectrum. Maybe the people do want "puppies" in addition to blood, gore and sex on the front page. Name one reporter or editor who actively seeks public desires for content...and then acts to deliver that product. At least restaurants ask their customers about the quality of their food and service. Deliver us from arrogant reporters and editors.

You Know What wrote:

Rosenthal is earning his keep the last couple days. His mark is all over the place. No Pink Slip For You.

wrong. this is a horribly written article. five, six, seven paragraphs into the story and i still don't know what transpired. this is a story about tribune co. in the chicago tribune. how about providing the link to the video of the incident. and what was the "epithet"?

lastly, this incident happened last THURSDAY! thursday, friday, saturday, sunday, monday, TUESDAY!!!! dang near a week has passed.

that is very lazy reporting on top of muddy writing.

According to the Orlando Sentinel:

Zell stepped back from the podium, then said "[expletive] you" at the end of the exchange.

I love Sam Zell

PS: Anyone else notice the abundance of "puppy dog" stories recently in th Trib?

There have been many.

Where is the video so that we can judge for ourselves?

billyjoe wrote:

According to the Orlando Sentinel: Zell stepped back from the podium, then said "[expletive] you" at the end of the exchange.

...where's the video?