Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
The Asheville Citizen-Times today published a story delving into the background of Richmond Hill Inn owner William G. Gray, someone surely under intense scrutiny and pressure after a fire took out the inn’s historic, 120-year-old mansion. The story notes that Gray had medical licenses revoked in other states after allegations that he sexually exploited minor boys. Fire investigators believe the fire was arson. As far as I know, the investigators have not named any suspects.
In an unusual move, the newspaper slapped a “copyright Asheville Citizen-Times” tag beneath the headline.
But why? Why print a story about 16-year-old allegations that have nothing to do with the recent fire at Richmond Hill Inn? What relevance does this information have to the Richmond Hill Inn fire? The newspaper story doesn’t answer. By way of context or explanation, it just says that Gray has led “an unusual life,” and calls the fire just “the latest twist.” Gray’s property was foreclosed upon because he was behind in payments, and he’s got an ongoing legal battle with the former owners. Those are relevant issues. But old allegations of medical license revocations?
I ask because I also knew about Gray’s background, and decided not to pursue it because I didn’t believe it to be relevant. A tipster sent me a note on Thursday, referring me to some of Gray’s medical board records in California. I’m betting the same tipster e-mailed the folks at the Citizen-Times.
And why copyright the story? When I was at the newspaper, slapping a “copyright” on a story was a way of calling attention to it, and telling other newspapers to back off. After all, stories printed in the newspaper are automatically copyrighted.
I’ll answer my own question — the Citizen-Times is desperate for web site clicks and newspaper sales, and that’s why they published the salacious story. I won’t go so far as to say it was unethical of the newspaper to run with such a story, but I will say that it’s damn poor form.
In relation to this current fire at the inn, does anyone know what the cause of the fire of the 1995 fire? Also, were the Michels the owner of the Inn then? If they were, what was the financial situation of the inn then? Any financial trouble or related issues that may be important to link to the current fire since they are still connected to the inn and maybe there is a link to it in one or another?
I think you got it right with your comment about newspaper revenue being down. Nothing like a little smut to jazz up the readership. I also used to work at the C-T (pre-Gannett) and have my own horror stories.
It is a sign of financial/circulation desperation, and just one more instance that shows their total lack of understanding of on how to build good relationships with bloggers/emailers who might send people to their website.
I haven’t picked up a copy since it raised the newsstand price to 75 cents a copy, and don’t expect I will be anytime soon.
It’s Hammer time everyone…weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Not surprising, really. The current A-CT publisher lost an $18 million lawsuit in Florida over his careless editing. It was eventually overturned, but the standard (or lack thereof) is there.
Yeah, that’s what i don’t get. A copyright on a story that’s already copyrighted is trying to "reserve the rights to our copyrighted words" – a silly and ignorant action.
That is a prime example of Irresponsible journalism. They are grabbing at straws!
reaction, i think you’re right – they slap they copyright on there to make sure that anyone who picks the story up credits the newspaper. doubtful that they’re reacting to me – i generally don’t link to their stories, because they break their links online.
From what I know, WLOS had all this information as well and decided not to run it since it has NOTHING to do with the arson. I spoke with a couple of my friends over there and found out that Frank and the Assist ND had dug up all this stuff as well.
Wonder if the copyright tag is because the AC-T knows you share stories on your site? Not that you couldn’t do so anyway with the links and attribution, like you already do.
The only other thing I can think of is could it be to try to nail WLOS or another TV news station if they just read the story on the air without attributing it to them, something TV stations have been known to do with local newspaper stories.
Thanks for your good site!
I have been referring to it as the Asheville Citizen-Tabloid for a while now. Much of what they post online is degrading at best, to the news staff and the subjects of the so-called "stories."
It’s a shame. I can’t recall the last time they did any in-depth, original reporting on something that truly changed or had a lasting impact on the community. They seem content to copy and regurgitate police reports, search warrants and blogs, rather than making a positive difference here. The AC-T doesn’t stand for anything.
It’s our only daily newspaper. Both this city and the newspaper staff deserve better than what they are shelling out every day. (I assume the leadership decides what is "news" and what isn’t…)
But if they get website clicks, this is the kind of salacious bullshit they will keep offering.
And in that sense, I may be wrong — because I guess they must be giving the people what they want: shallow, ill-investigated garbage.
I thought it was sleazy, too, and frankly, not worth reading. What’s the relevance?
Good job calling them out, Ash. Perhaps the C-T needs to start its own Page Six.
I saw that this morning and was surprised at the smut.
Maybe they want to go that direction of a smear tabloid.