<em>WaPo's</em> Internal Memo on Kurtz's Departure

Key words/phrases: Superhuman, straight-shooter, endless well, and indispensable authority. At the end of the letter they discuss qualities his replacement ought to have... The memo to staff: It's with great sadness that we announce Howie Kurtz is leaving The Washington Post to head the Washington bureau of The Daily Beast. Throughout his 29 years at The Post, Howie has taught us all how the medium is the message, marshalling [sic] fresh evidence not just daily but hourly about the powerhouses, personalities and opinion-shapers of the media world. Applying intelligence, creativity and an endless well of sources, Howie single-handedly has defined this huge sector, whether he was communicating in newsprint, in books, online or on television. His Media Notes franchise has become the indispensable authority on the players and companies in the center, by definition, of the national debate. "Coverage" does not quite capture what he has delivered for the Washington Post and its readers. Like the best reporters ever to have owned a beat, Howie has treated the subject matter expansively. He covered not just journalists but the folks in the political sphere who try to steer the conversation--White House press secretaries, campaign strategists, gossip bloggers, late-night talk-show hosts. All the while, he has become known as a straight-shooter by every anchor and editor and reporter who has been on the other end of his inquiries. He bravely covered the very organization he has called home and won the respect and independence that can only come with consistently solid and fair reporting. His energy is beyond exemplary--it's superhuman. With Howie's departure we will begin searching for his replacement , looking for someone who can be a commanding authority on the media. We're seeking alively [sic], nuanced writer with drive and enthusiasm, and the ability to keep ahead of the changing media world and its impact on politics. Ned Martel Marcus Brauchli Liz Spayd

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WaPo's Internal Memo on Kurtz's Departure

Betsy Rothstein

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