Kim Kingsley - FishbowlDC

WaPo’s Limp Citation for Roll Call

Betsy Rothstein — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:30:42 +0000

A memo to WaPo: Next time you want to give credit to a paper for breaking a story, how about doing it in the first couple of graphs? How about doing it at all?

On Friday morning at 9:58 a.m., Paul Farhi wrote about the flap over Politico yanking a video on its “about” page because Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) office got its knickers in a twist about the potential lack of ethics involving a video of his staffer on a page where they’re selling Politico.

The story is well-written and cites Politico Chief Operating Officer Kim Kingsley. But why does it take Farhi eight flippin’ graphs to mention the story and publication that broke it in the first place, which was Roll Call on Thursday at 4:58 p.m.? He writes,

“Roll Call, a Politico competitor, reported Thursday that senate ethics rules prohibit senators and their staff from making endorsements. The publication reports Holmes said he didn’t realize that the video would be used as an ad. He received a written request for a video interview from Politico’s director of marketing, who said the video would be ‘a profile of you first — and how you use Politico second.’”

Farhi told FishbowlDC by email: “I was not aware that Roll Call had broken the story until I got your email (I’m assuming you’re correct, btw). I was first alerted to the story yesterday by a colleague, who didn’t mention where he’d seen or heard about it. I reported it out and filed something short about it late last night. I DID notice that Roll Call had done some fine reporting on this and credited them accordingly.”

Psst…Farhi! Google is your friend.

We also reached out to Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner, who broke the story, for comment.

UPDATE: WaPo‘s Erik Wemple also writes about the Politico-McConnell debacle — because why shouldn’t two media reporters from the same publication delve into the same story? He cites Shiner by name five graphs into a pretty lengthy post.

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Politico Reporter Re-Elected to Executive Committee

Peter Ogburn — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:12:49 +0000

Politico’s Manu Raju has been re-elected to serve on the Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents. The committee is “one of four Congressional/Press Media Galleries that issue press credentials to bona fide correspondents.” Kim Kingsley, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Politico, emailed the staff on Wednesday, saying, “Gang, I’m delighted to announce that Manu Raju has been reelected to the Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents. Manu has been representing reporters’ interests on Capitol Hill as a committee member for more than a year. He continues to prove why he is such an outstanding POLITICO — and we are very proud of his efforts. Please join me in congratulating Manu.”

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Politico Offers ‘Enhanced’ Maternity Leave

Betsy Rothstein — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:05:13 +0000

Politico, known for working its employees to the bone, is making life easier for new parents in its midst. Announced this morning in an internal memo, COO Kim Kingsley tells staff that the maternity policy has changed. Employees with primary care of a “newborn or newly adopted baby” may now take up to 12 fully-paid weeks off. Originally, staffers had to take advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act and use their own vacation/sick time for time off if they wanted to be paid.

See the internal memo… continued…

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Politico Creates Full-Time Marketing Unit

Betsy Rothstein — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:40:19 +0000

Politico is creating a full-time marketing unit. The new head of it will be Sara Olson, who has received a major promotion to the post of VP of Marketing. “It’s no secret that all of us think the world of Sara,” said COO Kim Kingsley in an internal memo, who adds that Sara has never failed at any assignment.

Note to Sara: Not to worry, expectations will be on full tilt.

See the memo, which mentions that the publication had 6,000 TV and radio bookings in 2012… continued…

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Layoffs at Politico? HuffPost, Please.

Betsy Rothstein — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:00:47 +0000

When HuffPost‘s Michael Calderone left in Politico in March of 2010, no love was lost on either end. The whys of that are hard to decipher — he broke news and worked at a feverish pace as most reporters there do — but the fit was never a good one. Which may help explain his rollout of anti-Politico stories in recent months, the latest of which has Politico laying people off, even though the decisions appear to be nothing of the kind. In June of last year, Calderone wrote a lengthy insiders piece on his former employer. In it, he reported on the “stressful, hamster wheel” environment in which a “handful of reporters receive preferential treatment from company leadership, while the majority are left drifting in a far off galaxy.”

In his most recent story on Politico, Calderone reported that two people have been let go in recent days — Photo Editor Jay Westcott, who opted to go public with the news on Facebook and Twitter and Jess Kamen, a technology reporter. These things are usually quiet matters. But there’s nothing quiet about Westcott, who also went public last September about his split from his fiancé, Madeline Marshall, also a Politico employee, and told his Facebook pals about his heartbreak. After she changed her status to “single”, Westcott snapped, “I took that picture. Take it down.” Eventually he seemed to come to his senses when he wrote, “I am devastated. I have to get off Facebook.”

So two people were shown the door. As Politico’s Editor-in-Chief John Harris eventually told Calderone for his story, Publisher Robert Allbritton has given them the green light to expand and bring on 30 new hires in 2013 — does this sound like a season of layoffs? To be sure, the word “layoff” is a loaded one and HuffPost, a Politico competitor, was sure to use it in their headline. The word, like it or not, denotes a company that’s struggling. On Sunday, WaPo media writer Erik Wemple also questioned Calderone’s use of the word. “Here’s one instance in which terminology matters a great deal,’ he wrote. “‘Layoffs,’ after all, sends a signal that the organization is shrinking, unable to meet its budgets with current staffing levels. If that’s the case here, it’s a giant story…” If not, he added, it’s a “far less consequential story.”

But Politico, struggling? WaPo recently made big offers to Alexander Burns and Maggie Haberman. Both rejected them to stay.

In Wemple’s story we learn that Politicos such as Harris, Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Haberman, Danielle Jones and Kim Kingsley have all signed multi-year contracts, crushing any impression that an exodus is underway. “He got played by bad sources because a few junior people left,” a media observer explained. “Politico has people come and go every week, so some variation of his dumb and naïve story could run most months.”

Asked to comment on whether he holds any ill will against his former employer and whether “layoffs” was a proper word to use, Calderone remarked to FishbowlDC… continued…

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Politico Rated ‘Most Influential’

Betsy Rothstein — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:46:31 +0000

Politico brass has to be grinning ear to ear today as a new survey has them clobbering many other publications on Capitol Hill.

“POLITICO ranks No. 1 among Capitol Hill publications, both in print and online, in the latest Erdos & Morgan survey of congressional and executive branch opinion leaders,” a morning release from Politico states. “The survey, released Thursday, shows POLITICO ahead of Congressional Quarterly, The Hill, National Journal and Roll Call in terms of which publication these influentials read and visit the most.”

“Politico’s mission is to provide political and policy professionals the agenda-setting breaking news and smart, timely analysis they need to do their jobs,” said Chief Operating Officer Kim Kingsley. “Ranking so high in this well-respected survey proves that we’ve been successful in that mission.”

Politico Pro Editor-in-Chief Tim Grieve (voted in FBDC’s Summer Superlatives as having the biggest temper in D.C.) also gushed on the matter in a canned quote that really isn’t worth reading but we’ll give it to you anyway… continued…

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Politico Snags David Chalian

Betsy Rothstein — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:13:37 +0000

Ever since his hot mic flub, it was a mystery where longtime Washington journo David Chalian would wind up. This morning the cat’s out of the bag: He’s headed to Politico to be their VP of Video Programming to guide their expanding video efforts.

Chalian is the former Yahoo! News’ Washington Bureau Chief. The company immediately fired him after an incident in August in which he made a racial joke against Mitt Romney at a news event and the mic picked it up. “They’re not concerned at all. They’re happy to have a party with black people drowning,” Chalian joked during an ABC News/Yahoo! News webcast.

See the internal memo from Executive Chief Operating Officer Kim Kingsley…

continued…

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Politico Announces (Three Times) Plans to Expand Pro

Eddie Scarry — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:00:11 +0000

Several reporters from Bloomberg, Reuters and Dow Jones have been spotted in the Politico newsroom in recent weeks, FishbowlDC has learned.

Here’s why: The NYT broke the story last night that Politico plans on expanding its subscription service Politico Pro in the coming months.

“This week, the news outlet is starting to hire 20 more reporters and editors to help increase its coverage on the economy and military,” the story said. “Politico is also adding 20 more employees to its business side.”

Politico Playbook also highlighted the news, including a memo from Editor-in-Chief John Harris, Executive Editor Jim VandeHei, and COO Kim Kingsley and Playbook’s author Mike Allen plugged the announcement in a segment on MSNBC’s Morning Joe today.

In case that wasn’t enough promoting on Politico and its sister TV station, MSNBC (hardy har), and in explanation of our blown up blowfish graphic, Politico‘s media reporter Dylan Byers also wrote up the story in a blog post and also included that internal memo explaining the changes:

“[Monday] morning, we’ll announce plans to launch POLITICO Pro Defense and POLITICO Pro Finance – a package of coverage that will include financial services and tax policy. To produce that coverage, we’ll be growing our newsroom dramatically – with more than two dozen new editorial positions and a similar number on the sales side.”

We’ve requested comment from Kingsley on the hiring numbers and will update if she responds.

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Washington’s Glitzy Debut of ‘Game Change’

Betsy Rothstein — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:55:54 +0000

HBO’s Game Change came to Washington last night, perhaps in more ways than one. Politicians, their aides and reporters came together last night at the Newseum for a star-studded evening to celebrate the now famed book by NY Mag’s John Heilemann and TIME‘s Mark Halperin. On hand was Julianne Moore, who plays former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and producer Tom Hanks.

Also dotted in the crowd were network stars like the inseparable Mika Brzezinksi and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC (pictured above). The pair mingled at the cocktail party. Once in their seats, they rose twice — once to say hello to Bloomberg’s Margaret Carlson and then a second time. Mika returned with little slices of bread, which she shared with Joe. Then 15 minutes into the movie, they bolted for the door.

Before the screening, reporters convened on the ground level for what turned out to be one of the sanest red carpets we’ve seen in a long time thanks to SKDKnickerbocker. Check-in was smooth and drama free. Reporters appeared to quietly get the interviews they needed and none of the cameramen were shoving or stressed out. Unlike some of these celeb events, the scene never turned into a brawl. Guests received fancy chocolate on the way out.

Halperin and Heilemann were the belles of the ball last night. Halperin explained that he and Heilemann were not close before writing the book. “We sure are now,” he said. ” We had never even written a shopping list together. Now we’re joined at the hip. We debate, but our general view of journalism is simpatico.” Asked who is his favorite star in the movie, he replied, “I love all our children equally.” Both men are tall, but Heilemann towers over everyone he encounters, especially Game Change scriptwriter Danny Strong. Halperin is dark-haired and talks in soundbites. Heilemann is bald and speaks off the cuff. While in a press gaggle, Heilemann joked that he likes to rest drinks on Danny’s head.

The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack got quite a jolt to see himself in the film as an extra — well, he’s 98 percent certain it’s him. He’s something of a professional extra (he was also in “Clear and Present Danger”). “I was sitting right behind Woody Harrelson as a bar patron,” he told FBDC. “Spent my life preparing myself for that half a second. I think I nailed the scene.”

Heilemann and Strong

Luke Russert

Spotted in the crowd…

continued…

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Allbritton’s Wife to Host Reception With Tory Burch

Betsy Rothstein — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:30:57 +0000

Fashion designer Tory Burch will host a special reception along with Elena Allbritton, a dermatologist and wife of Politico Publisher Robert Allbritton, CBS Chief White House Correspondent Norah O’Donnell and philanthropist Catherine Reynolds in the Tysons Galleria boutique this Thursday evening to benefit the Rebecca Project. The Rebecca Project is a human rights organization that aides vulnerable women and children in the U.S. and Africa.

This is Burch’s first visit to the boutique since it opened in May.

Other Washington media types likely to be eyeballed in the crowd: NBC “MTP” Executive Producer Betsy Fischer, Neera Tanden, Amy Baier (wife of FNC’s Bret Baier), Abeer Al-Otaiba, Margaret Spellings, Beth Dozoretz, Autumn VandeHei (wife of Politico‘s Jim VandeHei), Tracy Sefl, Marit Babin, Dina Powell, Anita Dunn, Tammy Haddad, Susanna Quinn, Amy Little Thomas, Debbie Dingell, Politico‘s Kim Kingsley, Gail Huff, Meryl Chertoff, CNN’s Jessica Yellin, Hilary Rosen, Jennifer Brown Tapper (wife of ABC’s Jake Tapper) and many more.

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Politico Reporters/Editors: The Chosen Ones

Betsy Rothstein — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:25:07 +0000

We’ve learned specifics on which Politico reporters received the exclusive invite to the boss’s house on Sunday. As many know by now, Politico‘s Robert Allbritton and wife, Elena, held a post WHCD brunch at their Georgetown home, but only a small select group of journalists of the approximately 200 they employ were invited.

The List: Editor-in-Chief John Harris and Executive Editor Jim Vandehei, Bill Nichols, Danielle Jones, Kim Kingsley, Sara Olson, Bill Hamilton, Julie Mason, Jonathan Martin, Craig Gordon, Katherine Lehrer, Manu Raju, Tim Grieve and Mike Allen. Photographer John Shinkle and reporter Amie Parnes were there to cover the event. It’s unclear but doubtful that they would have been invited otherwise.

To the masses who didn’t get to eat fried mushroom puffs and caviar this weekend, don’t worry. They’re sure to send out a praiseworthy internal memo soon or offer catered lunch in the conference room.

UPDATE: We missed Politico’s chief political columnist Roger Simon, who also got to enjoy those mouthwatering mushroom puffs at the brunch. He attended with his wife, Marcia Kramer. “The food, which was catered by Wolfgang Puck, was terrific,” Simon remarked to FishbowlDC.

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Guess Who’s Talking to Higher Ups at Politico?

Betsy Rothstein — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:58:45 +0000

Spotted in the Politico newsroom RIGHT NOW talking to Executive Editor Jim VandeHei and COO Kim Kingsley is: David Shuster. Shuster is allegedly on temporary leave from MSNBC.

(Will Shuster soon be Winning the Morning? Hey Politicos, can someone please live blog this for us? Please tell us if he breaks out into air guitar as he did at a recent wedding reception.)

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3 Upped at Politico

Matt Dornic — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:17:08 +0000

This morning, Politico’s Kim Kingsley announced three promotions within the group. Matt Sobocinski who has been with Albritton Communications since 2006 is now Chief Video Producer for Politico. Sara Olson has been named Director of Media and Diana McFadden is taking a bigger role as Media Coordinator for the organization.

Congrats to all three! Kingsley’s memo after the jump.

continued…

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Libit Bids Farewell to Colleagues at Local 16

Betsy Rothstein — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:46:17 +0000

Politico reporters came together Saturday night at Local 16 to say goodbye to colleague Daniel Libit. A wonderful sendoff, we’re sure.

But a note to Politico partygoers: Politico reporter Manu Raju is not Italian. In the list the tipster sent to Fishbowl, Manu’s surname (as shown below) renamed him after a Spaghetti sauce. Perhaps it was the liquor talking – the time was 3:07 a.m. when the note was sent. Or maybe Raju has a nickname in the works.

Regardless, those in attendance, said an e-mail, included: “Tim Alberta, Josh Kraushaar, Tim Grieve, Andy Barr, Erica Lovely, Meagan Bond, Sydelle Moore, Michael Calderone, Paige Connor, Kendra Marr, Meredith Shriner, Glenn Thrush, Martin Kady, Andie Collier, Matt Wuerker, Manu Ragu [STET], Ken Vogel, Kim Kingsley, Jmart.”

Best wishes to Libit in the Windy City, wherever he lands. (At last mention, he said his resume was under review at a number of Starbucks).

> Update: A crime has been committed against FishbowlDC — most likely a reporting while intoxicated (RWI) crime. To be sure, this is a lesson to me not to trust some a–hole writing us at 3 a.m. inventing some party in his or her head. Actual partygoers (with their correct spellings) include: Tim Grieve, Manu Raju, Josh Kraushaar, Andie Coller, Erika Lovley, Tim Alberta, Kendra Marr, Sydelle Moore, Meagan Bond and Andy Barr. Memo to VandeHarris: This is your “Winning the Dawn?” A thank you to Libit for setting the record straight. Libit, by the way, found this whole thing “HILLLLLARIOUS.”

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Quinn, Gillespie & Associates Ring in the Holiday Season in Style

Christine — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:04:53 +0000

VandeHei, Stoddard, Allen, Quinn and kiddies.

Last night was a big night for holiday parties – the Brunswick Group held court at L2, Scene Bisnow celebrated at Public Bar but the evening’s big ticket event was hosted by Quinn, Gillespie & Associates on the roof of the new W Hotel.

Complete with ice sculptures, a snow machine, a snow globe bar, DJ Chris Burns and a jazz quartet, the party drew big names from the political and media worlds, including Rep. Steny Hoyer and Fox News’ Brit Hume.

Clinton White House counsel and QGA Chairman Jack Quinn welcomed to his scenic bash, a glam bipartisan guest list — Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) mingled with former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and former Sen. John Warner (R-VA). And hostess with the most-ess Susanna Quinn dazzled in a gold cocktail dress.

Media noteables: Fox News’ Bret Baier and Amy Baier, CNN’s Ed Henry, NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, Libby Leist and Betsy Fischer, Tammy Haddad, Politico in full-force- Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Kim Kingsley, Jonathan Martin, Anne Schroeder Mullins, Patrick Gavin and Kiki Ryan, John McCaslin, Google’s Craig Walker, Peter Cherukuri, ABC’s Emily Lenzner, Polson Kanneth and Courtney Cohen, WaPo‘s Amy Argetsinger, Roll Call‘s Jackie Kucinich, The Hill‘s A.B. Stoddard, Jared Allen and Christina Wilkie, CongressDaily‘s Erin McPike, Chris Brown, Mix 107.3′s Tommy McFly, Politics Daily’s Emily Miller, Yeas and Nays’ Tara Palmeri, Elizabeth Thorp, Jayne Sandman, UrbanDaddy’s Jeff Dufour, Tim Burger, Kimball Stroud and Todd Flournoy.

Quinn does an interview with WashingtonPost.com.

continued…

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