Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
Today your local media sunk to the lowest depths I have ever witnessed.
KIMT, The Globe Gazette and other regional news outlets camped outside Gretchen Crooks’ funeral this afternoon. They pitched a tent right off of Delaware Avenue across from First Congregational United Church of Christ, hooked up audio feeds and pointed cameras and interviewed mourners. They went inside the church to get a close-up view of their story and write about the horror and sadness of family and friends of Gretchen.
These news outlets have taken a terrible tragedy and sensationalized it. They have taken a 13-year-old boy’s name and picture and plastered it all over their news stories. They have written about and elaborated on charges brought against this child. He has had zero chance to defend himself. Forget about juvenile charges, the media has made sure everyone knows it was him.
I do not often get personal here on NIT. But today I will. I am disgusted by these people. I am disgusted by the media trying this boy before he is even given a chance to defend himself. I am disgusted by the media showing up at this funeral, a funeral for a person that has suffered the worst end imaginable. The media fed on this funeral today like vultures, to sensationalize this tragedy and score viewers and readers.
Gretchen was not a fallen war hero nor an assassinated President; she was simply a decent person who met a terrible death. The news media did not need to be here today. As one man who walked by so eloquently said: this is “dirty laundry.”
I was so disgusted after KIMT invited NIT to participate, that I decided to go and do a story on the media itself. I watched the watchers.
I pointed my camera at THEM and I fired some tough questions. I wasn’t nice about it. They called the police on me. I didn’t leave.
Please watch the video below and let me warn you, it isn’t pretty.
and then sent my email that I wrote regarding that point to Mr. Skarlis?
Steve Shurtz: Do not equate the smearing of children with grown men accused and arrested of serious crimes. It won’t fly here.
Mr. Marquardt:
You stated, “I am disgusted by the media trying this boy before he is even given a chance to defend himself.” ~ Is that not what you did to the Behms?
Whats up DOC???
I have known Matt and his family for half my life. He is a good person doing a great job for the community that he grew up in. He went to school with Gretchen. Mabey he was pissed about the way the media was dealing with the whole tragic incident. If she was my sister or close friend, I would punch them.
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Matt,
While I agree with you regarding the inappropriateness of KIMT filming the funeral, I think you handled this in a very unprofessional manner which may initially get you hits to your website through sensationalism, but will eventually cause you to lose viewers. My competition also conducts business in a poor manner every day. This causes me to want to rise above their performance, perform better, service my customers in a better manner, and be more professional. No matter how poor of a decision they made, I would never go to such lengths as you did. I visit North Iowa Today, every day because it brings the true uncensored story to the public. This time, I think you should have censored yourself as I feel I am taking more care writing my response than you did in your video. The owner of North Iowa today, bashing and antagonizing his competition using words like freaking, sad ass, comparing garbage cans to their work on a 15 minute posted video, really? Honestly, I think you’ve hit a low point and an apology for your actions to your readers are needed. I’d really expect more from a 38 year old man who was really starting to bring down the other media by just doing what he does well, while they continue to fail. I would be disappointed in my teenager for conducting himself in such a manner regardless of the situation. I’m not saying what KIMT did was right, but you weren’t exactly right either. I would rather see you rise above and report about it, but not become part of the circus. Best of luck to ya cause you just lost my views, page counts, click-throughs, and support.
you have NO IDEA my deepest sympathy for your loss. Very well said, what if the story was about their family member? Oh thats off limits. The globe and kmit do not care if they tell the truth they just want the story and if the story isn’t juicy enough they have to add to it. It doesn’t matter if its the truth. Shame on them for destroying lives.
First off this is to Kay~
There at the request of the family, I call BULLSHIT! When you are grieving a loved one family DO NOT want it plastered all over the media! THIS INCLUDES SOLDIERS!!! My brother died a horrible death at a young age and KIMT was all over it within hours, you wanna know how I found out about his death? 8hrs after it happened. EVERYONE else knew it before I was officially told. As soon as my mom told the sheriff that everyone was FINALLY told, within MINUTES KIMT had his name PLASTERED all of over that channel. Not only was it plastered interviews with people who had supposedly KNOWN my brother were broadcasted at the 5pm broadcast, know what time those interviews were conducted? at 2pm, hour and half BEFORE I found out. why did it take so long for me to be told? THAT is even a longer story. YOUR media was all over this town until his funeral and had the balls and gull to ask if it was OK to interview people who attended he funeral. Reported got an earful from me and they quietly packed their crap and left. WE do NOT want you at our family mournings. YES it was a tragic thing that has had happened, just like EVERY news outlet said, name of suspect in custody is kept under wraps due to him being a minor and in the next paragraph “IT was reported it was her 13yr old son (insert name here)”. DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERY single one of you in the media should be slapped upside the damn head for your misinterpretation of that email. ANYONE can see and read between the lines of “WE dont want you there but we cant stop you from being there SINCE it is public place but IF you HAVE to be there to get your lame ass story of people crying over our family, go across the street and stay quiet”. Worst than the Westboro baptist. Now onto a soldiers funeral, YES they died in combat, YES he is a hero, but guess what? THAT hero that you have plastered all over the place also wants to be LEFT IN PEACE along with their family. SO bugger off and let us mourn. Go do a story about relay for life, or Organ donaation or do a story about a graduate who made it against all the odds to get their diploma. Better yet, follow up on your stories “your putting together and your comment maybe used later in a broadcast” that is posted on all the mediafacebook, twitter, pages…OR here is a new one, follow up on the dr who was hired by mercy that got busted for not registering as a baby raper and where he is TRYING to get a job here in iowa in the Ankeney/Des Moines area. Now THAT is newsworthy. Not how people feel after a funeral. Anymore KIMT has gone to crap for stories and are grasping at straws.
“Go do a story about relay for life, or Organ donaation or do a story about a graduate who made it against all the odds to get their diploma. Better yet, follow up on your stories”
You won’t find much of that on this site either, expecially the latter. Not that we havent been asking for it.
I’m sorry for your loss, you have NO IDEA. I’m sorry you had to hear about it long after it happened, and I understand your pain. That being said, you do admit that the reporter packed up and left after you told them you most certainly did NOT want them there. I totally understand why, and am grateful that they respected your wishes.
Before anyone jumps on me, I speak from experience. Two of my family members were murdered in a convenience store several years ago. It was a tragedy like none other. I have lived this life.
I still believe it is the public’s right to know, whether it’s about safety, compassion, assistance in solving the crime… Whatever the reason, people feel moved by these stories, and they absolutely can be life-changers.
So, JWF, my family was NOT off-limits during this dark, dark time in our lives. We took the HUNDREDSof news stories for what they were: Morbid curiosity, a wish to provide comfort to a stranger through cards and letters, or just another reason to appreciate the relatively peaceful life you’re blessed to have.
I’ve shared my views. I’m done.
Until you know the facts, it’s best to keep your emotions — and accusations — in check.
yes kay, we should all be forced to chase away arrogant annoying reporters like you. sounds like you have experience in being chased away. hopefully you werent lying when you said you are relly going away this time.
Kay: you should not assume that all news media will be as nice and kind as you try to imply. like JWF stated “they just want the story and if the story isn’t juicy enough they have to add to it. It doesn’t matter if its the truth”. yes he/she was talking about the globe or KIMT. but the statement holds true for many other companies. some people even say that about NIT. I am familiar with what happened to a friend of mine that was murdered in waterloo. he moonlighted at an adult bookstore to make extra money. the news media asked people/his friends about his life. they wouldnt listen to or report on what they wanted to tell the news companies. they kept wanting to hear more about working at the adult bookstore. they never reported that he was a machinist by trade, and was only moonlighting that night for extra money. He was working to keep himself off government aid. and what does the news media do smear his name. this is just one incident of what i assume to be many. and YES we should comment on what we know to be true.
Fact is, Media was where they werent welcomed.
Fact is, YOU are trying to defend your actions and others by back peddaling (sp?),
Fact is, YOU and everyone else knew EXACTLY what that email said. now your TRYING to cover your arse by blaming others about actions that YOU yourself did.
Fact is, We are a “small state” that if you know one person you know EVERYONE and their business. THIS includes murders, trials and everything good too.
I could think of better things to do rather sit and harass, yes i said it, HARASS huring people over a tragic loss. Now, I want news media to cover EVERY single funeral and ask EVERY single griever to do an interview just to make it fair to others.
Oh, and another thing? WE do not like to be talked down upon, we are Iowans and are full aware and can read into the bullshit replies and actual meanings in your actions.
YOU WERE NOT INVITED!!! compare you to the westboro baptist, your not welcome and your lucky you have the to law do what you did and you can use that excuse for everything. YOU and other medias shouldve known better out of the respect for the families YOU were morally wrong and you know damn well im right. what happened to morals and standards? not greed
Amen. This woman is completely insensitive to your loss and the loss of the families.
“Kay is a liar and probably works at KIMT. I never said any such thing (KIMT invited me, I have the email to prove it). Most of the detractors on here are liars, and they typically hurl insults before making any real points. I do appreciate the dozens of real supporters who have contacted me, they out number impostors like Kay 4 to 1.”
I stand corrected about who invited you. The (real?) media, however, WAS invited. I’ve seen the emails. Maybe this is all because you’re angry that you weren’t invited originally?
Calling me a liar? That’s a little harsh and defensive, don’t you think? An impostor? How am I being an impostor? I’m using my real name and being respectful about stating my opinion ~ not lashing out at people who disagree with me.
I don’t work at KIMT ~ or any other TV station. Never have, never will. I just know nonsense when I see, read and hear it.
The only point you chose to rebut was my (admitted) mistake about who invited you. I guess you can’t defend the indefensible, can you?
You should stand corrected on a lot of things. I did receive the email from the funeral director, which plainly states the media must set up across the street. That’s not an invitation, that is an UNvitation. It also says “No interviews with the family will be allowed.” Yet KAAL clearly interviewed people outside the church.
Secondly, you are not being respectful in stating your opinion. You admit you were not there, you don’t work for the media, but you claim to see private emails only the media received. You are shaky at best, and possibly angry because you perhaps WERE there that day and I called you out. I really feel sorry for you, coming to NIT every day to debate me and then getting picked apart.
Defend this, Kay: High Definition cameras outside a church to zoom in on people crying. Very sad to see you condone this behavior.
I’m not angry, just puzzled by your continued insults in order to mask your own behavior.
“…the media must set up across the street.” While not an “invitation” in the truest sense, it’s hardly a preventive measure: Actually TELLING them where to set up implies consent, as opposed to requesting that they stay away.
The fact that you don’t agree with my opinion hardly makes me disrespectful. “Private emails only the media received”? “Private” and “emails” are practically an oxymoron. Don’t tell me you’ve never shared an email with someone; people forward things all day long.
Though the funeral director requested they do no interviews with the family, you don’t actually know how that interview was set up, do you? If a family member chooses to speak to the media, that’s his or her choice. The funeral director tells the media what to do; they don’t direct the family members.
High-definition cameras? That’s what they’re for: To tell the story without sticking a camera or microphone in someone’s face. Did the funeral director order no cameras, too?
I said I didn’t work for KIMT or any other TV stations; I didn’t say “media.” You’re not calling anyone out; you’ve hardly “picked me apart.”
Name-calling and bullying STILL don’t work.
Well Kay you are here on NIT all day long seems like. Does your “media” bosses know you spend so much time here? I am flattered.
So now you say the media must be PREVENTED from showing up. I think you will frighten people with that admission.
You now also admit that your media shares their emails with anyone they choose. No privacy at your place of business, Kay? What media do you work for, so we know not to communicate with it?
I saw KAAL approach people on the sidewalk. They are from out of town. How would they know who is family and who is not. You make no sense.
Again you defend the cams zooming in on people’s grief. Kay you are making this too easy.
Yes, Matt, that’s exactly what I’m saying. If you don’t want the media there ~ and it’s not public property, you must tell them that.
Surely, being in the “news” business yourself, you can understand that. You were there, too, remember?
Not quite sure where I said my media shares emails. Could you point that out?
Once again, actual media members ~ even those from “out of town,” do some homework, learn who people are, and speak with them. Did you also see the KAAL people holding guns or knives, to force those people to speak to them? Your disgust is misdirected, I think.
Don’t flatter yourself, Matt. This is the second day I’ve been to your site, and it’s my lunch hour. Somebody has to point out your double-standards, whether you like it or not.
Matt, this proves the other so-called media in this town are on NIT all the time, they can’t get enough. You are doing a hell of a job, you have a dedicated reader here.
is this the weather girl, for kimt?
she said that she didnt work for a tv station but obviously another media. And boy am I glad im not married to Kay. I get bitched at enough being single.
Matt, I understand that by covering the media you are trying to make a point that they are in the wrong, but most of these people are just there doing their jobs. Are they not given assignments to follow for the most part? The cameraman from Rochester certainly did not choose to drive to Mason City to cover a funeral? I think your emotions were aimed at the wrong people. You should be asking to interview the person/people who sent that cameraman to Mason City. (I know the globe and KIMT will not answer your requests)
You did not accomplish anything by being there. If anything, you made it more of a spectacle than it was. The media is not going to change their approach because you stood on the sidewalk and questioned their morals. You may have generated some hits for you site, but this in no way is a game changer. Keep the good fight going though.
Appreciate the point you are making. Have a great day and thanks for visiting NIT.
Just for the record, here are the latest Iowa broadcaster job openings.
(Source: http://www.iowabroadcasters.com/index.php?q=node/36)
TV Achor/Producer – KIMT-TV (CBS) is seeking an anchor/producer for our two-hour DayBreak newscast. This position is responsible for working overnight to write, produce and edit the DayBreak newscast. This includes, but is not limited to, stacking rundowns, monitoring police scanners, making beat calls, posting to the web/social media, shooting breaking news and some reporting duties during sweeps. We’re looking for an energetic, organized, self-motivated and detail-oriented journalist that possesses strong leadership skills. An ability to work independently, as well as on a team, is a must. The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure and, with others, will develop and execute compelling and informative newscasts. Applicants must have either a four-year degree in Broadcast Journalism or Broadcast Communications and must have good on-air performance, communication skills and excellent news judgment and writing skills. One to two years of previous producing, reporting or anchoring experience is preferred. Please send DVD with cover letter and resume to: KIMT-TV (CBS), Attn: Business Office Coodinator, PO Box 620, Mason City, IA 50402 or by emal to: hr@kimt.com Any offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing a substance abuse test and a background screening. Successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. KIMT-TV is an EOE M/F D/V.
That position is opening up because Jenna Lee is leaving after her contract is up in…. June? I think? As for the rest of it, yeah, common stuff to be posted about what they are looking for.
She must be the one I overheard at a local bar recently that said “I am outta this shitty town, I can’t wait till my last day” which others there have been overheard to say many times
Jenna Lee leaving? That figures. Only anchor-babe at KIMT I can stand to look at. She’s delicious.
While I am often the first to criticize how the media reacts to things, I find YOUR video appalling.
Primarily, you’re a bully. You weren’t there to portray an unfair scene, you were there to bully and harass people doing their jobs.
You’re also woefully unprofessional. “Man,” “freaking,” “dude;” do you actually think anybody takes you seriously? If so, they’re as immature as you appear to be.
You fall all over the passerby who admittedly was only going to the funeral “because my pastor is speaking.” Where was your attack on him? That was obviously simply morbid curiosity on his part — why didn’t you call him out on it? Because it didn’t fit your agenda?
Your rant appears far more disruptive to the surroundings that any of the media who kept a respectful distance and didn’t appear to be intruding on the event.
You, however, were yelling and carrying on as mourners — right out of the funeral — walked past! What do you think they’ll remember from that? The quiet reporters and cameramen, or the guy yelling at them like a grade-school bully?
And whether you like it or not, your presence was also capitalizing on the event. If the whole situation wasn’t news, why were you even there? Take a look at some of the numbers of readers and viewers, and you’ll see it WAS something people were interested in.
If you think you’re rising above it all, feel free to stop publishing anything negative — including car crashes, robberies, fires, etc. When you’re all about only the “good” news, THEN you can complain.
Otherwise, you’re no better than the people you tried to humiliate.
Appreciate the insults… wow you won the debate now. I see you have stooped to picking on the old man who outed you on your DIRTY LAUNDRY story. Where was a passerby to support you that day? There wasn’t one.
First, I wasn’t there, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
Second, that man wasn’t supporting you. He certainly didn’t applaud what you were doing, nor did he thank you for it. I’m not stooping to anything: I’m repeating what he said to you. And outing anyone? I didn’t actually see anyone hiding that day in your video or on the TV coverage ~ except you, behind your video camera and bullying ways, apparently designed to mask the fact that you were doing the same thing: Covering a funeral. How many times did YOU mention the 13-year-old? Twenty?
No debate here. Answer the questions honestly, and you’ll see there’s no arguing with those facts.
The man shook my hand twice. He said DIRTY LAUNDRY and motioned to the TV and newspaper crews. What more do you want Kay? Why are you so angry? It’s a beautiful day. Please take your med’s and relax.
Congrats Matt, 200 comments on a story you thought it was distasteful to cover. Stay classy.
Lol life not lifesaver
For everyones F.Y.I. the family did not invite the media to the funeral. If that was the case they would have been inside the funeral home. Shame on the the globe and other media for being there.! Matt was showing what low lifesaver will do to get a story.
Really, fyi?
The media actually WAS invited to be there. Are you simply basing your comment on the fact that they weren’t inside during the funeral? Bad idea.
In fact, Matt freely admits the funeral director — through the family — also invited HIM to be there.
Please check your facts.
Kay is a liar and probably works at KIMT. I never said any such thing (KIMT invited me, I have the email to prove it). Most of the detractors on here are liars, and they typically hurl insults before making any real points. I do appreciate the dozens of real supporters who have contacted me, they out number impostors like Kay 4 to 1.
Nicole C I agree with you, Matt does rock. Matt tells the truth. KIMT and the Globe changes the words around to make the story better, juicier, more exciting. KIMT and the Globe destroy people with their stories and they do not care. I know there is always a story but maybe the reporters should think first, “If this was my child, husband, wife, parents or myself, would you want the media to tear them apart?” Sometimes I don’t think they have a any common sense at all. This was a minor, 13 years old. Shame on KIMT, the Globe Gazette and KTTC for not having any common sense in this story. Remember “do unto someone that you want done to you” FAIR PLAY. KARMA CAN BITE BACK.
Matt You rock!!! Your footage on the media’s exploitation and total disrespect of those people and the extremely gut wrenching pain and confusion that they are going thru right now….just to get a story was awesome!!! they dont need anymore crap to deal with right now…and I’m glad we got someone like you around to stand up for people’s right’s and well being!!! Hats off to you Matt you kick ass!!
Watcher and 50 miles, I do not find your advice useful whatsoever. NIT has plenty of respect and I am proud of it. To me, you are two more nameless rabble attacking me and NIT. I would do this story again tomorrow in a heartbeat. KIMT and the Globe have websites, be my guest to head that way.
Matt, my friends and I watchd the video and we all agreed it was the best thing we have seen in such a long time. Keep up the work, people are watching and reading, I know this is first and last place I go everyday to see the news.
Matt: because of being off topic, i will move my comments to rants and raves
Appreciated. Thank you.
Matt, Your focus and attitude on this site has greatly changed. You edit when you should just follow up, you stoop to personal attacks when you should just state facts and let it roll off your back, and the site has become very one sided when it used to be unbiased. I think this is the first time I have commented in over a week, the stories and editing of comments are beginning to make me lose interest. Yes someone will replace me as a reader, but I have felt my comments and thoughts have been fairly informative and constructive. lately the comments have become overwhelmingly hostile and off color.
I agree with watcher. however it isnt too late to correct the problem. and yes there is a problem. this site can still gain back respect if you only stay with the facts, without the slanderous comments. this is why I asked the question “should Mr Childrens op-ed rants be under watercooler or rants and raves”. getting an interview with someone would change too in time. do you really want to known as a loudmouth like Rush Limbaugh?
So Matt shoudl allow anonymous people to attack him and lie on his own website and do nothing. Read the comments he has answered his critics straightup and taken the abuse and when he answers then he’s a bully. Thanks for clearing that up for him. It is my opinion he was right to call BS on the media, no ones invites media to a funeral. Like the old man said, Dirty laundry.
Penny, when you (NIT or any others for that fact) put yourself in the spotlight you better be ready to be the center of it. I do believe that Matt should refrain from stooping to the level of his attackers and be the better person and better news site. My comments are to encourage him to have a bit more backbone, and put the bite in the columns, editing and follow up. There has been a lot of censorship lately in areas where no clarification has been given, except “someone asked him to take the comments off”. A follow up on these stories instead of leaving them out to the rumor vultures is what people truthfully want. We want facts, follow-up and closure in the most non biased way that can be done. Let the commenter’s be biased (it may open doors to unseen facts or leads), but let the story direct US to get vocal, informed, or involved.
Matt you make me sick!!! All you did was uncalled for, your remarks and video completely disgust me and I am DONE looking at North Iowa Today because of you. I belive KIMT was invited and you werent. Go find a good story to do and leave others alone. You are no better then the ones covering the story.
Good riddance salena, I mean “Marlene”. You were never wanted here to begin with, go rub some more GG backs!
Selena, wanted here or not I can voice my opinion just like you, pretty sad the media has to bash each other so at a later date the family has to see it, dont think that was the idea when the media was invited. So on that note go rub a GG yourself!!
Marlene’ do you need a napkin for that slobber? For your info, Matt was invited, he just has more class than the “Others” !
No slobber thank you, Matt could have had a little more class then to bash others, no need to go on and on like he did, and yes there are other funerals but media not invited. Let the family mourn as needed without having to see this at a later date. Just sad society has to come to this.
“Marlene” – I was invited by KIMT. I have the email to prove it. I also have the email from the funeral director that clearly states the media will be ALLOWED across the street. Doesn’t seem like an “invitation” at all. Furthermore. I see there are several funerals scheduled here in Mason City this week. Tell me, will the Globe, KIMT, KTTC, KAAL be covering those? Will the blue tent be there? The high def cameras, to zoom in on the mourners, to catch every tear?
I understand where you are coming from I just dont understand why you had to bad mouth others there, it will be a sad day when the family sees this report. Other funerals yes but am sure the media wont be invited. Just a sad day for the family and then have to listen to the media slam each other. I just pray the family doesnt see this.
Matt was ‘invited’ but he declined and that was the right thing to do. It amazes me how some of you people spew your dribble and yet you dont have a clue. Its ABNORMAL to invite the media to a funeral plain and simple. Like someone else said, the family probably only invited the media for one reason only, to have the trial moved out of Cerro Gordo!
Are you kidding Matt. I worked at the globe longer than you and never saw or heard about your so called back rubs by management. I did hear how you started your website business w ith the globes customers while you were still employed there.. My morals say you were stealing from your employer. But I’m sure you have a different twist to that or this post will come down fast.
Shut up Are you kidding me!!!!! What’s all this complaining gonna doooo NOTHING look at every other news channel CNN CBS HUH what do you see every day death death and more death people killing each other this won’t stop whether it’s a child killing or adults killing it happens everyday and what about when we hear about there familiies and see there funerals on tv you don’t complain then do. This just happened in our own community and now you don’t like the media this is everyday life man!!!!!
whoops I’m not gonna hide my name it’s amanda
You don’t have Freedom Of Speech on someone else’s blog – DUH. Start your own.
DUH?
I do have First Amendment rights when a media organization solicits comments from the public — as long as I uphold the same standards of decorum as the rest of the community. (Anyone with any knowledge of recent FCC decisions and Supreme Court rulings in this area would have known that you can’t censor posters you dislike once you open that floodgate of commenting.)
Unlike Matt, I’m not the one hurling insults and threatening to get me in trouble with my boss. All I’m doing is commenting that Matt conducted himself very poorly outside a funeral. He should have avoided making a scene. He owes Gretchen’s family and friends an apology. If he can’t stand the heat, get out of running this type of website or grow a pair.
DUH!
I don’t get why the family would want a funeral for the public to see. Isn’t that something that is for family and close friends? Not for every tom,Dick, and harry to see. If mercy people can’t attend oh well. If they wanted them to see it maybe they should have recorded it themselvesand then give directly to mercy to view. It will bite the family in the ass for getting the media involved. As far as being so concerned for whether the globe or kimt showed up…why does it matter since the family asked for them to be there? I do agree they should have kept their nose out of it.
I agree with omg. Matt (as part of the media) should have kept his nose out of it.
I think a daily list of funerals need to be posted on the Globe’s, KIMT’s, and KTTC’s websites so they know what funerals to cover for the week. I too thought that coverage of this funeral (while she was a VERY nice and caring person) was silly. The family is hurting, friends are hurting — what type of closure will the media give to this family? While Matt’s motives may appear abrasive sometimes, he makes a good point — “Was her funeral news?” The next time some newsworthy event happens in Osage, will they cover that too? Will the globe have funeral photos on their front page like Whitney Houston’s was on the front of the National Enquirer? What’s next? Broadcasting local weddings like Prince William & Kate Middleton?
Just stick to the news.
AND, if you don’t like what Matt writes or covers, just move along.
You aren’t telling me anything until you use your real name. Do you have the guts to do that? What City Hall Department do you work in?
Once again, Matt, you are trying to intimidate others. I’m not going to use my real name (no matter how many times or how nice you ask). All you need to know is that I work in Mason City.
Try (as hard as it may be for you) to focus on the real issue here: that you could have and should have handled yourself with more decorum outside a funeral. You owe Gretchen’s family and friends at least an apology for your juvenile behavior. It did not reflect well on you or NIT. Man up and admit you were wrong.
I see you have subtly changed your tune. Now you only “work in Mason City.” Before it was “I work at City Hall.” Nice try. I owe no one an apology, so get a grip on reality, you will need when I bring this forward to your boss.
Matt, go for it. Keep the insults flying. I’m a big boy. The fact is you can’t stand that someone can stand up to you and call you out for being wrong.
You should have conducted yourself differently. You are no better than the media you pretend to “expose”.
Bring all the cameras you want down to city hall. The fact remains that you created a scene outside a funeral that was inappropriate. You are alone supporting your conduct on Friday, my friend.
While you’re at it trying to tattle on me like a 2nd grader, bring a copy of the First Amendment. I can show you where it gives not just you (the media) the right to speak out. But it also protects my rights to do the same on my own time.
See you on Monday. I’ll be the one laughing at you.
So… now you are big boy. You are not standing up to me at all, you are an anonymous coward. Period. Since you know me, and I don’t know you, feel free to approach me at anytime to discuss.
Matt, I don’t understand why you feel the need to attack me and other readers of your website. I actually agreed that it is unseemly to have the media staking out a funeral. However, you have failed to learn an important point that even my 6 year old daughter knows: that two wrongs don’t make a right. You shouldn’t have escalated the media circus by going out to the church with your camera and yelling at the reporters. You should have handled the situation better. Just admit that you were wrong and move on already. Geesh.
I did not yell until they fired back at me. Then they brought their cameras out against me. One woman from KIMT said the whole thing was FUNNY! I was appalled! They LAUGHED about the situation, watch the video! Who’s the ASS now?
Thank Peter. Arian left right after that exchange and never came back. I guess he was ashamed for being a part of a newspaper that is trashing a child. Dennis will be in the news later this week, stay tuned.
I wonder how Matt would react to the Globe doing an editorial on NIT’s practices? Based off his responses below, I’m thinking it would involve Matt doing a lot of name calling and blaming others.
They would never interview me. To date, they have never admitted the existence of NIT. I pray they interview me, I have many, many questions to ask them. We could start with the free back rubs Globe management provides the employees.
Why are you so interested in who gets a back rub at the Globe Gazette? What in the hell does that have to do with journalism? So what if they give their employees free back rubs? Big deal! I swear, just when I think NIT is acting like a responsible journalistic entity, you go and pull this kind of crap. You guys at NIT have such an inferiority complex with the Globe, KIMT and local radio it is absolutely laughable. This sight is quickly becoming a joke!
I’m not sure why this conversation has denegrated into name calling. (If you dislike the approach Matt took in attacking the other media outlets who were invited and doing their jobs, you shouldn’t stoop to his level and engage in the name calling.) However, Matt easily could have written his editorial without causing a scene outside a funeral. His point would have had more credibility without the ranting and raving. In the end, Matt just made himself and his publication look silly.
Matt, I support you. You were harsh but it needed to be done. These jackals feed of people’s misery. They can’t handle because you are different and bold. Keep up the good work, sir.
How does stalking other people outside a funeral equate Matt to being different or bold? It seems opportunitic on his part. He was looking to start a fight…
It seems to me by the writing demeanor of a few of these recent comments that they are threatening Matt/NIT. Katie, Troubled, Concerned, etc is this true? it sure seems like it to me/ and that your trying to make it sound and look as if Matt needs help.
“Pay attention people” because this strategy sure seems to happen a lot around here in river city!
Are you still here? I step away for 3 hours and here you are. I think you may be obsessed with NIT. I can’t blame you, but c’mon, man. Hitler now? You are a whack job. Please use the phone number I provided earlier so you can get the help you need.
last time i checked it wasnt illegal to be insane or an ass, as Mr. Marquardt has been described. And last time i checked, free speech was also a part of our constitution. I agree that it may be in poor taste for both parties, and if it was truly the families wish, then so be it. I agree a private video would have been better recieved, but it wouldn’t have stopped the local and not-so-local media outlets from appearing. As someone raised in MC, it is typical of MCPD to show up and harrass a bystander breaking no laws, yet ignore the obvious parking laws being broken. DId they get a special permit that day? Doubtful, just all part of the politicking and the “who you know”..As amother who has a child with a delinquent background, all I can say is, that we have no right to judge that 13 yr old, and anyone who does, well, I hope no one in your family ever is ACCUSED of committing a crime or kills someone. we have no idea what Gretchen was dealing with or issues that were going on in that family. As outsiders we never have the full story, even the media, so I think that maybe they need to stop releasing details since a juvenile is involved. The great thing about our counrty is we are entitled to express our own opinions and we are also entitled to a fair trial. Unfortunately, those same rights apply to the media outlets who perpetuate fear and sensationalism in order to make money. And hey, matt-next time maybe wear professional clothes and come prepared with an open dialogue and maybe they will actual think your a journalist, it may be better recieved by those who don’t understand who these media really are.
Ex-Pat, While your comments are not incorrect, I think your thinking is a little misguided. Yes, you are correct while it is not illegal to do this (I never said it was), It is unprofessional, bullyish, and not very businesslike. We can go down a very slippery slope if we start saying “It’s not illegal to….” It’s not illegal for me to tell everyone on my Facebook to take a flyin’ leap either (freedom of speech), but would I be better off being professional so that I don’t lose friends?
As far as the whole “A 13 year old was involved” circus. Yes, this person was a minor so the name should not be released. However, as a parent of a child very close to this age, I do want to know about it and I feel the media should cover it in some manner. I do disagree with covering the funeral but would not be taking pictures and calling “flippin KIMT with their skanky ass cameras next to garbage cans” and harrassing them. As soon as this discussion is closed, I’m probably not visiting again due to this. Most times, newsworthiness is decided by one peron. If that person thinks a cat in a tree is newsworthy, then by God, they will air the crap outta that story. Yes, a minor was involved, please Globe, NIT, KTTC, KAAL, KGLO, etc…. please continue to air these stories so I can protect my children but all should have used better judgement for next time. I’m now moving back to the very censored GG, and other news resources, as I refuse to support this sort of sensationalism just to get views.
I drove past this on my lunch and was sickened and disgusted by the news media there. I have lost plenty of loved ones even ones known very well in the community and NEVER once has it came into my head that the media should be apart of it! I don’t know where the family was going with inviting the media there but I think it is beyond wrong and seeing Matts video and article on this made me smile. From what I have read about Gretchen she was an amazing mother, nurse, wife and friend just like how many others in this community? Yes she was murdered allegedly at the hands of her own son making it that much harder on the family and it got sensationalized by the media and it breaks my heart!
Wow — you are a piece of work. You defend Matt (a member of the media), then you criticize Gretchen’s grieving family. Who are you to judge? The family worked with the funeral home and the news outlets to provide coverage. By all accounts, the media who were invited (not Matt) respected their wishes. If you watched the news coverage Friday evening, it was a very touching tribute to a very tragic death. I wish all the media (including Matt) would handle themselves with such sensitivity. I agree that I wouldn’t want the media outside my funeral, but Gretchen’s family did. It’s their right. But I think they deserved better than Matt making a fool of himself outside the church.
Yep I sure am a piece of work that values life and has never and will never feel the need to exploit my family by inviting media to a loved one’s funeral!! Let’s just sit back and watch bet it won’t be too long before this story is a Lifetime movie to me it wasn’t for support its unneeded attention this is the first time I have EVER seen news covering a funeral and it is just plain wrong! If you do read everything Matt was invited and was so disgusted with being invited that he covered them covering the story but I know people that avoided going to the funeral because of all the extra attention that was brought there by the family. There have been letters to the editor written about this already because it is not right they could have RESPECTFULLY declined to cover the funeral it’s that simple. Funerals are NOT news they are personal time for family and friends to mourn the loss of a loved one no matter how that person died!!
Matt defended a woman who’s MURDER was publicised by a bunch of vultures and some of you people want to criticize that? come on people, IT WAS WRONG! Stop bashing/trashing Matt and insulting the NIT photographers because one thing is for sure, ALOT of people like them.
Why is Matt defending her son? Is he on the defense payroll? I thought the media was supposed to be unbiased and report the facts.
Report the facts? The globe skews the local news and doesn’t just report the facts. It will omit facts when it suits the needs of the slant of the article they are writing.
Matt do your story about the fair. Report the facts of their bylaws that no member of the board can bid for work. Dennis has is opportunity to state his side. If he turns down that chance it will allow your side to go unrebuttled.
Matt did what needed to be done, end of story!
It’s hardly the end of the story. Just watch Matt report every gory detail of this case as it makes it way through the legal system. I hope you will remember his “outrage” when his “journalists” cover every sensational development.
u have lots to say this am!!! run those jibs…….
“let it be known” : I agree. not long ago my house caught fire and NIT photographers were there covering the story but, before they started taking pictures they came up to me and asked about my well being and, asked if there was anything they could do for me, right there shows compassion and to me that is “Professionalism”. I never did get the chance to say “Thank You”. Years ago my dear friend got killed in clear lake in a car accident, one of the globe gazette photographers took a picture of my friend still in the car, DEAD and printed it.
“Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.”
No, but your IP address will be and Matt will break confidentiality if he doesn’t like what you have to say
Did everybody miss this?! HE JUST OUTED SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THEIR COMMENTS! I find this extremely troubling and unethical!
Be careful people, you would not tolerate this from any other business. And yes, this is a business. He makes money on this website the same way the Globe, KIMT, KLSS, and every other media in the world does, by advertising.
The more controversy he can start, where there doesn’t need to be any, the more hits to his website he gets, which in turn, means he can sell more advertising.
BE CAREFUL ON THIS SITE! IT IS NOT RUN BY A STABLE, ETHICAL PERSON!
Matt I have to agree with “Troubled” on this one.I know you feel very strongly about this issue but sometimes you need to just step back and think before you type.
Well here we go folks. More insults and innuendo aimed at me. Since you hide behind a fake name, what do you fear? Your IP address? Thanks for leaving this email address: “nothanks@screwyou.com” … I think that shows your level of maturity and adolescence.
I suggest you leave NIT and never come back if this site bothers you. I am sure you will try, but you will return, you can’t resist.
What if that was my real email?
It is clear you are a liar and habitual insulter. You refuse to debate me with your real name, yet you can accuse me of anything you can think of. All I did was express my opinion in this story. That has you extremely irate, perhaps you were in the video? It is clear you left a fake email address intended to further insult me. I found it humorous, just as I find your cowardly ways humorous. If this is your real email address, call your lawyer.
Please allow me to explain my immature email address: I never intended the public to see that. Had I known it would be published, I wouldn’t have put anything.
I do not wish to be identified, like most everyone else on this site. I don’t feel safe revealing who I am on this site. This site is filled with fanatics and is run by one too.
I will not reply to whatever rebuttal you have. I’m sure it will be “thought provoking”, sensationalized, and will try to portray yourself as the hero of Mason City from the “corrupt” likes of the local media, government, etc.
Like I said before and Matt has proven “BE CAREFUL ON THIS SITE, PEOPLE”
So you finally give up. You have run out of insults? You contributed ZERO to this discussion other than saying “you’re not safe on this site” and I am “imbalanced.” You are beaten, and you are slithering back under your rock. Good bye for now… we will see you in a couple hours when you come back to get the real news. You are still welcome here.
As for your accusations about NIT. This site has been up for 18 months come April 1. It has a loyal following. Yes, I allow editorials that are hard hitting, I believe in the first amendment. People realize they are treated fairly here and can speak their mind. The traffic spikes month after month prove NIT is here to stay.
Matt let me see if I got this straight. You disagreed with what one poster was saying and told everyone that this one poster was using multiple names,like I’m sure a few posters do.You then posted their I.P. Address.When Troubled said that was wrong you posted his e-mail address.Yes it was a fake one BUT your site says “Your e-mail address will not be published”. It doesn’t say “only if it’s your REAL address it will not be published”. You also implied he was a snake. Matt like I said before ,sometimes you need to step back and take a deep breath before you type.I know you are passionate about this and I appreciate your passion.
Thanks Reggie. It says “your” email address will not be published. It was not his email address. It was fake. Case closed.
Troubled, I was about to atempt to write the same thing about Matt’s very poor behavior but you said it better than I could. For the past several months I have gotten the impression from his writtings here that he has a very big head, is full of him self, and is an ass. The video proved that. What a nut case you are. It is to bad because when you first started this site I think you had good intentions. Now I think you want to be part of every story. Good bye NIT.
Katie, Dave, others… you sure spend a lot of time here at NIT. You are some of my best customers. Dozens and dozens of story comments between you. Wow, you sure hate me and NIT, but you are here constantly. Allow me to help you with your obvious personal and psychological problems:
Welcome To The Mental Health Center of North Iowa
http://www.mhconi.org – 235 South Eisenhower Ave. Mason City, Iowa 50401-1562. Telephone (641)424- 2075. Toll Free (800) 700-IOWA Fax(641)424-9555
Matt claims to run a fair, unbiased site… yet refers people who show disagreement with him to the MHC. Real classy Matt. Real classy.
I have never heard of a family that is grieving calling up the media and saying ‘Hey get your cameras and sound bites down to my loved one’s funeral, we want this in the news.’ If this is normal then I guess I missed something. No one reading these comments can honestly say they woud call and ask them to do this. I really believe the family did this to control the media, not invite them. The family knew the media would be there no matter what.
Click this link for the truth about why the media was there: http://youtu.be/46bBWBG9r2o
Unless I missed it where was the coverage of former KIMT Don Harman’s funeral? In fact, (again unless I missed it) I dont even think KIMT made their condolences to Don’s family. Why? You would think since Don worked for them at one point they would of covered his funeral or printed a article? none,that I can find. What about Jodi H. I’m sure her family had some kind of service for her where was her coverage? STRANGE isn’t it?
Matt did “The Right Thing”,good job Matt!
Tom Crooks: What is the real reason the family needed the media at the funeral? Like someone else said, you could of privately recorded it.
Could it be the reason the family wanted it publicized is for the sole purpose of helping this kid during the trial. Just a thought.
You could very well be on to something ‘maybe. Too much media coverage/ and citizen outrage if this kid has a trial it wont be around here which could help his case.