Crikey

Look what happens when Frank’s not in. This internal memo from Associated Press did the rounds as part of their Polanski coverage this yesterday. This can currently be found on a Polanski story page on the Forbes website…

Associated Press

Swiss arrest Polanski on US request in sex case

Associated Press, 27.09, 10:41AM EDT

OK, can you do some more probing? New York will want to know

frank’s out today.

i checked already, and so did zurich. they say the question is irrelevant. he answered me with the quote i used, about we knew when he was coming this time. he’s been here many times in the past, we think.

thx brad. aptn is aware, but unfortunately won’t make it in time, but is hoping to catch tail end.

i’m pushing out another writethru with some more background details before press conference.

no surprise, new york is really hot on this.

Then came the snide reader comment:

Reader Comments

Epic Epic Fail… I hope Frank gets back sooner rather than later…

But that didn’t stop the internal memos that kept rolling in:

they particularly want to know why now. (has he never set foot in switzerland before?) sheila, theorizes that’s because they’re under intense pressure over ubs and want to throw the U.S. a bone, but can yo ucheck with justice department sources there?

is frank around too, or are you alone?

u can tell aptn press conf 1700 (15 gmt) in bern at the parliament

i’ll watch it live on internet

Bring back Frank! — Sophie Black

Analysing a leaker’s agenda. When a gusher of leaks erupts, the press loves to soak up the information — but can wind up looking all wet. In the past week, the New York Times unearthed a book proposal by an ex-aide that accused John Edwards of fathering his mistress’s baby. Bob Woodward published a classified assessment by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. And the Times reported that President Obama is trying to muscle David Paterson out of the New York governor’s office.

Three very different stories, all relying on unnamed sources and all raising questions about the motivation of those trying to manipulate media coverage to their advantage. From war to politics to scandal, each article was based on solid reporting. But none acknowledged the elephant-in-the-room question of whose agenda was being advanced through these leaks. — Howard Kurtz, The Washington Post

Newscorp reckons people are happy to pay. According to a memo from Richard Freudenstein, CEO of News Digital Media, the online arm of News Corp’s Australian subsidiary News Limited, the company is confident about the success of the pay for content plan, which is entering a “second phase” in Australia.  In a memo leaked to the Sydney Morning Herald , he says: “News has conducted some audience research here in Australia and in the UK and US, which gives us confidence that, if we get the product and delivery system right, people will happily pay for news content online, on their computer, mobile, e-reader or other devices.” — The Guardian

Daily Beast book imprint to hit shelves. The New York Times is reporting that Brown is set to launch a Daily Beast book imprint, Beast Books, in a joint effort with the Perseus Book Group. The imprint will publish both paperbacks and ebooks on a much faster schedule than traditional publishing keeps.  — Mediaite

Outdoor advertising still works. Billboards. You’ve heard of them. You’ve probably created for them or crafted a media plan including them. You’ve driven by them. You’ve chuckled at the cheesiness of some of them and appreciated the brilliance of others. Sadly, no one talks about billboards any longer. But they’re still out there and they still work. So why are we talking about the lowly billboard today? Social media, of course. After all, social media is the only thing anyone cares about these days, right? — Adrants