Overheard at the airport…

“Heard at DCA ‘will the owner of a loose chihuahua please return to the security checkpoint.’” — VP, Bureau Chief, NBC News Washington Bureau Antoine Sanfuentes. We can only hope the pooch was wearing this getup.

A writer and porn

“I bet porn consumption drops a lot during the #superbowl” — Washington freelancer and resident National Press Club troublemaker and crusader Sam Husseini (Husseini, who works for the Institute for Public Accuracy and blogs for washingtonstakeout.com, was briefly suspended from the club late last year for posing questions perceived to be inappropriate at a presser.)

Twitter Shame

“There needs to be a word for when you tweet something you think is really hilarious and nobody retweets it.” — CNN’s Lizzie O’Leary.

Roger gets racy regarding Newt

“Does Newt know how to give good press or what?” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

Editor makes predictions on Madonna’s nipples

“SuperBowl prediction. Madonna shows both nipples. She’s too competitive too let Janet Jackson beat her at her own game.” — Washington Life Exec. Editor Michael Clements.

The Media Critic

“CNN has is now broadcasting a live count of votes. It’s as exciting as it sounds.” — Reason Mag and TWT movie reviewer Peter Suderman.

Journos give Newt crap for a change

“Topics Newt needs to avoid to preserve the sanity illusion: himself, mitt, janitors, the moon, ‘historian’” — WaPo‘s “Right Turn” blogger Jennifer Rubin. An observation on Newt…“Anyone else notice how much time Newt seems to have to read the papers?” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill.

A warning from The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox: “I better warn folks that I may not be able to experience this event ironically. Large groups of people sincerely singing can get to me.” (She attended a Rick Santorum campaign event in which attendees were saving seats with Bibles. Note her accompanying photograph.)

Journo Love

“[Bret Baier] does a great job responding to his Twitter critics, even gave them a voice on the air. Bet a lotta anchors blow ‘em off.” — Politico‘s Dave Catanese.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Passionate reactions to Komen segment on Reliable. Regardless of your view, of course the underlying issue in the flap is abortion.” — The Daily Beast’s Washington Bureau Chief and CNN “Reliable Sources” host Howard Kurtz. Really. The underlying flap is abortion?

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day II

“LOL and ZOMG are the only two expressions you need to know to report or understand campaign coverage.” — TPM‘s Brian Beutler in an observation that could truly, easily be ignored.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“It is my pleasure to announce that Shawna Thomas will be moving up Pennsylvania Avenue to become a White House Producer.  She joins our top-notch White House team, led by Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd, to cover the Presidency.

On Capitol Hill, Shawna has done a terrific job reporting on the House of Representatives. She came to NBC News in August 2006 with a Masters from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism.  Prior to producing on Capitol Hill, Shawna served as an NBC News Associate, Political Assignment Editor, and Digital Associate Producer.

On a personal note, I know that her sharp editorial judgment, keen eye for nuance, and straightforward likeability will make her a great success in this new role, so please join me in congratulating Shawna on this exciting next step!”

Better late than never…congrats to Shawna!

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Internal memo announcing Leist’s promotion after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Everyone respects him because he rose up through the ranks, paid his dues, and understands this bureau and this network instinctively,” explained NBC’s Savannah Guthrie. “For him to become bureau chief made perfect sense – he’s one of us.”

Guthrie describes Antoine as a leader with “razor-sharp competitive instincts” – a view shared by most everyone at the bureau.

“Antoine brings a no-nonsense, ‘make it work’ mentality to the newsroom. He is incredibly knowledgeable, clever and resourceful – the benefit of decades of experience,” said Guthrie.

But it’s more than the network’s on-air talent that feels the love for Sanfuentes.  It’s not unusual to find a D.A. hanging out in his office and he’s been known to keep in touch and offer career advice to former interns, long after they’ve completed their internships.

“Antoine is loyal, passionate and somebody who cares greatly about the future of NBC News in Washington and also the bureau’s employees – from the top talent to the midnight-shift maintenance worker,” said Luke Russert.

Besides the full, professional drum kit that resides in his office, Sanfuentes is the epitome of Washington newsman.

“Antoine’s heart is in the news business but his soul belongs to music. He’s an accomplished rock n’ roll and jazz drummer who may even show you his latest drum solo after a meeting about Capitol Hill coverage plans,” added Russert.

With such glowing endorsements, we couldn’t resist asking Antoine to do the FishbowlDC interview.  Read it after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

In a memo announcing the promotion, Sanfuentes said of Strickland: “Ken knows this town and he knows this business.  I have great faith that his incomparable knowledge, sound editorial judgment, and keen creativity will keep NBC News at the forefront as we continue to evolve and better serve our viewers.”

Strickland has been with NBC News since April 1995, when he joined as an Associate Producer for “Dateline NBC.” He was promoted to White House Producer in 1997 and held that position for six years, before becoming the network’s Senate Producer in 2003.  Before joining NBC News, Ken worked for WKRN-TV in Nashville, WVTM-TV in Birmingham, and CNN in Atlanta. He has been the recipient of a Peabody Award, two regional Emmys, and an award from the National Association of Black Journalists.  Strickland’s first day in his the position is Monday, March 21st.

Congrats to Ken!

Memo from Sanfuentes after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

MTP's Adam Verdugo, Betsy Fischer and Erika Masonhall c/o WHCInsider

A group of Washington’s journos gathered for cordials and cupcakes at the home of “Meet the Press” (MTP) E.P. Betsy Fischer last night.  The cocktail party was held to welcome Erika Masonhall to the MTP team.  Formerly press secretary for Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Masonhall is now the press representative for NBC’s “Nightly News” and “Meet the Press.”

In addition to network bigwigs like Fischer, Washington Bureau Chief Antoine Sanfuentes, David Gregory and NBC News President Steve Capus, some of the District’s top reporters were in the house to raise a glass to MTP’s press rep.  Jeff Zeleny from the New York Times, soon-to-be USA Today reporter Jackie Kucinich, WaPo‘s Paul Kane, Tammy Haddad, Roll Call‘s Jessica Brady and Politico‘s Mike Allen, Jonathan Martin, Manu Raju, and Keach Hagey all found their way out to Fischer’s Falls Church, Va. maison.

*Unfortunately for FishbowlDC, last night we learned the hard way that you should start a car more than once every three months to prevent its battery from dying.  R.I.P. battery and congrats Erika!

For more photos and info from the Masonhall fete, check out WHCInsider here.

Mike Allen, David Gregory and Antoine Sanfuentes c/o WHCInsider

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Please join us in congratulating Adam Verdugo, who will officially join Meet The Press as Senior Producer effective next week.

This will be a special return to MTP for Adam, who started his NBC career with the show as an intern. Since that time, we have seen Adam grow tremendously at MSNBC, honing his skills both in the field and in the edit room.  Most recently, Adam was on the campaign trail reporting on all of the big races across the country for NBC as a digital journalist during the midterms.  Adam’s abilities and love of politics will complement the talented MTP team and will help to make Meet The Press even stronger moving forward.

Congratulations, Adam

Antoine and Betsy

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Antoine Sanfuentes

“Antoine’s inclusive management style combined with his expert knowledge and experience make him the ideal leader to guide the Washington Bureau into the next phase,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. “He is a true news producer through and through, with an outstanding dedication to integrity and professionalism in the field. He started his career in our DC newsroom and knows both the team and the political beat better than anyone.”

Sanfuentes began as an intern for NBC News while attending American University.  He landed a desk assistant gig at the Washington bureau in 1990 and climbed to senior White House producer within five years.  In his new role, Antoine will report to NBC News President Steve Capus and have oversight of all bureau management, administration, editorial affairs and “Meet the Press.”

Congrats to Antoine!

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

On March 29, journalism industry insiders will convene at Jack Morton Auditorium for an in-depth discussion of the “State of the Media 2010.”

EVENT: The revenue numbers for almost all American media companies are in great decline, and newer business models are struggling… This and other key findings of the Pew Research Center will be discussed in an afternoon conference at GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA). A panel will react to the report and the latest news coverage for a deeper appraisal of the state of American journalism. Frank Sesno, director of SMPA, will moderate, and Vivian Schiller, NPR’s president and CEO, will deliver a keynote address.

WHEN: Monday, March 29, 2010; 1 p.m.

WHERE: The George Washington University; Jack Morton Auditorium
805 21st Street, NW Washington, D.C.

WHO: Jim Brady, president, Digital Strategies, Allbritton Communications Company; Tina Brown, founder and editor-in-chief, The Daily Beast; Susan Page, Washington bureau chief, USA Today; Antoine Sanfuentes, senior vice president and Washington bureau chief, NBC News; Vivian Schiller, president and CEO, NPR (Keynote); Charlie Sennott, executive editor, GlobalPost

RSVP: This event is free and open to the public. To register, visit http://pejgwu.eventbrite.com. Media should RSVP to Emily Cain, eecain@gwu.edu.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Last night was the First Amendment Awards Dinner at the Ritz Carlton, the 19th annual hosted by RTNDF.

The dinner was emceed by MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, who started by thanking his wife Kathleen (away on a skiing trip), his “ambassador to the human race.” He also thanked Rod Blagojevich, Sen. Roland Burris and Rahm Emanuel for producing numbers for Hardball and MSNBC. (A dinner guest points out to us that Matthews was still wearing his Hardball makeup.)

CNN’s Jack Womack presented the first award of the evening to colleague Susan Grant, the First Amendment Service Award. Grant joked she was sure “the board had run out of deserving journalists.”

ABC’s Charlie Gibson and Sam Donaldson brought a comedy act to present the Leonard Zeidenberg Award to Cokie Roberts. Some of their back-and-forth… Charlie: “Get your hands off me… I’m somewhat perturbed I have to share the podium with Sam.” Sam: “Women like older men- that’s me,” and Charlie: “Much older.”

Donaldson introduced a story about Roberts saying, “you can check this story, though I wouldn’t, it’s a good story,” to which Gibson replied, “like most of Sam’s stories.” Donaldson went on to tell about the time on the This Week with David Brinkey that John Tower asked what a womanizer was and Cokie looked at him and said, “I think most women know it when they see it, Senator.”

At her last dinner, RTNDF President Barbara Cochran honored the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation with a special award, which was accepted by Alberto Ibarguen. To much applause, Cochran called prompt freeing of detained journalist Roxana Saberi in Iran.

And the last award of the evening was presented to Google’s Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt by PBS’s Judy Woodruff, as the whole room pondered, what would we do without Google?

In attendance: Dana Perino, CNN’s newly acquired State of the Union EP Michelle Jaconi, sitting next to Gloria Borger, who received a warm hello from Linda Douglass, Rome Hartman deep in conversation with Sam Donaldson at the cocktail hour, Mike Allen blackberrying away outside the Ritz, Lara Logan back from maternity leave, Google’s Bob Boorstin, Mark Whitaker with new deputy bureau chief Antoine Sanfuentes, David Bass, Emily Heil, Karen Travers and so on.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Albert Oetgen‘s role has been expanded to Managing Editor, senioring both Nightly News and the Today Show, and Meaghan Rady joins him from the NBC LA Bureau as a Coordinating Producer for those shows. Ken Strickland and Jay Blackman have been named Supervising Producers, and Scott Foster a White House producer. In the newsroom, Tony Capra has been named Manager of the News Desk.

Whitaker’s memo to the bureau after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Sanfuentes was previously the Senior White House Producer. Congratulations Antoine!

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.