I am away on business in Utah but my mind is with those who loved Gail Kerr this morning. One of my favorite Gail stories was one I heard only third hand. Imagine Gail, in her comfy PJs and fluffy slippers, watching TV on her sofa one evening. Phone rings. It is her friend and competitor Corinne Russell. Traci Peel is playing at X lounge tonight. Lets go. This was when news about the Boner-Peel relationship was only a courthouse rumor, not yet confirmed or reported. As I heard the story, Gail quickly got dressed and met Corinne. Traci noticed them from the stage -- maybe even had a the spotlight shown on them as Corinne was on TV. During the show, the light bounced off the big diamond on Tracis left hand and she mentioned her engagement to the mayor during the show. I think that was after the 10 oclock newscast had ended, so Gail had the jump on Corinne. The story was in the morning paper and a story that rocked our city was broken. That was truly extraordinary. A dedication to being the watchdog to power that was unparalleled AND a friendship and truly constructive rivalry between her and a competitor that made for better news coverage and made this city better. I am mourning Gail this week but I also am mourning the calling of journalism that I felt strongly when I worked alongside Gail on the Metro beat and still feel sometimes, even though I became a flack 20 years ago.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:45:42 +0000
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