02-25-2009/02-26-2009 A BLC EXCLUSIVE HEARNE CHRISTOPHER IS BACK WITH 'KC CONFIDENTIAL' SITE; SUN COLUMN Former Kansas City Star gossip columnist Hearne Christopher Jr., who was let go by the paper in November, is alive and well and has started his own blog titled "KC Confidential." He also has begun writing a column for Sun Publications. Ironically, the Sun story (2/26) refers to him as a "gossip columnist," a term he despised when at the Star. The paper has even set up a special "gossip line" for tips. In addition to having his long-rumored blog finally up and running, the biggest news announcement is that one of his main contributors will be none other than Greg Hall, who developed a reputation as an edgy sportswriter until eventually flaming out in the 90's and virtually disappearing to the Platte County Landmark. Hall had successfully been fired at the Kansas City Star, The Pitch and Union Broadcasting during one stretch. Christopher's site is basically what one might have expected. It is all over the place, and he has been promoting it feverishly on his Facebook page (see below). Even though he is now a blogger, Christopher gives a back-hand to Tony Botello of tonyskansascity.com, the most read blogger in Kansas City, and other bloggers. Go figure. A story about the Mayor's wife, another one discussing how to buy lingerie, another on Bazooka's Strip Club, Clay Chastain, etc., all round out his blog items. So far there has not been a profile of Vivien Jennings or washed up boxer Tommy Morrison, two of his often-used sources in the past. One interesting blog (and Sun) article is an interview with former Star publisher Art Brisbane who pretty much says the newspaper business is "... in a tailspin, a very serious tailspin." In fact, Christopher's entire Sun column is the Brisbane interview (he never once mentioned where Brisbane is working these days). Christopher's take on his former employer the Star? "The bottom line: an additional 30 or-so newsroom staff cuts are anticipated along with the closing of three of the four outlying Star offices (the Olathe bureau is expected to stay). That, after the decimation that was last year. "A news staff meeting is expected to go down this afternoon. However you cut the cake, the look and content of The Star and other daily papers is pretty much a slam dunk to change like never before in the weeks, months, years to come."
FEEDBACK: The funny thing about this is that Hearne and Jason Whitlock (for separate things) have been using their Facebook accounts to drum up interest. Hearne has been posting teasings for 2-3 weeks about what is coming. These have been among the most recent:
Hearne : Is the Kansas City Star stalking KC First Lady Gloria Squitiro? Check it out on kcconfidential.com at noon today! Hearne is readying for the OK Corral meets High Noon: Feb 25. Be there at kcconfidential.com. Hearne is hoping that KC's First Lady will put on the brass knucks February 25th.
Hearne is readying an investigative story about Bazooka's for February 25. That is once I recuperate from the behind the scenes research.
Hearne is very unafraid after attending the haunted Oscar blowout in the West Bottoms. Still there may be a controversy. Find out February 25.
Hearne is wondering if and when Joe College will unleash a Lew Perkins T-shirt...we'll find out February 25th.
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