Reality Show Contestant Commits Suicide (NYT)
Najai Turpin, 23, a middleweight boxer from Philadelphia who was a contestant in NBC's new reality series about boxing The Contender committed suicide yesterday in Philadelphia, according to network executives.

Bloggers' Clout Grows With Jordan Ouster (USAT)
Peter Johnson: Many observers view the resignation of veteran CNN executive Eason Jordan, after a drumbeat of Internet criticism, as evidence of bloggers' increasing clout. Slate: CNN was right to ask for Jordan's resignation, writes Jack Shafer. NYDN: Jordan's newest bombshell? He's dating Sharon Stone, reports Lloyd Grove. Washington Times Editorial : Bloggers are not "salivating morons." Times U.K.: Citizen journalists relish their power to overthrow the press.

Loose 'Gannon' (Salon)
Eric Boehlert: Revelations that the bogus reporter worked as a gay escort are the latest twist in the affair that has the White House squirming—and Democrats demanding explanations. E&P: White House press secretary says he didn't know Guckert had used fake name for nearly two years. E&P: Reporters to meet with White House on credentialing.

Ratings Way Down for Grammys (Guardian)
The American music industry's awards show scored its lowest ratings for a decade as ABC's cult comedy drama Desperate Housewives proved more popular. WaPo: Grammy's total audience of 18.8 million is a 28 percent plunge from last year's 26.3 million and the franchise's smallest audience since 1995.

New Editor for Maclean's (Globe and Mail)
The worst-kept secret in Canadian journalism was officially revealed yesterday as Kenneth Whyte, former editor of the National Post and Saturday Night, was confirmed as editor-in-chief and publisher of Maclean's magazine.

Furor Over Chris Rock Oscars Comments (BBC)
Producers of the Academy Award show have said Rock will not be made to step aside as host of the February 27th show despite poking fun at the ceremony.

ABC Report Touts Big Circ Gainers (NYDN)
The consumer titles with the biggest gains in circulation last year were Lucky, Elle, Real Simple, and In Touch Weekly, according to numbers released yesterday by the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

Iraq Journalism Advisor: U.S. Steered Coverage (Boston Globe)
A journalist who helped Iraq form a new broadcast network in 2003 testified Monday that U.S. occupation officials were more interested in airing their own activities than stories essential to Iraqis.

Jury Weighs Boston Herald Libel Suit (Boston Globe)
The trial stems from publicity triggered by a front-page story that portrayed Judge Ernest Murphy's sentencing practices as lenient and contained two inflammatory quotations attributed to the judge by unnamed sources.

The Collar of Money (WaPo)
Peter Carlson: New York Dog is exactly what it appears to be: a magazine about just how crazy you can get about dogs if you happen to have way too much money.

Miramax School for Moguls (NYT)
As Harvey Weinstein and Miramax prepare to part ways, more than a few power players in Hollywood have been tallying up their debt to Mr. Weinstein.

Judge Dismisses Sun Suit Against MD Gov. (Baltimore Sun)
In upholding a ban against two of the paper's journalists, a judge ruled that the newspaper sought greater access to state officials than that which is granted to private citizens.

Elvis Emerges (NYP)
Former Times movie critic Elvis Mitchell, who stormed off his post in last year's shakeup at the paper, has a new job as a Hollywood talent scout.

Brad and Jen Still Selling Mags (USAT)
Although it has been five long weeks since the separation of superstars Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, the couple continue to sell magazines, and there's no end in sight.

Media Starstruck by Schwarzenegger? (San Francisco Chronicle)
Carla Marinucci: The California media, rather than turning up the heat, often ends up in marshmallow mode with the state's famous governor.

LAT Biz Ed Steps Down to Head Paper's Mag (Los Angeles Business Journal)
Los Angeles Times business editor Rick Wartzman is stepping down from the post to edit the papers struggling magazine, according to an internal Times memo. L.A. Observed: LAT snubbed by editor who accepted the job of Baghdad bureau chief then defected to the Washington Post?

Fox's Snow has Colon Cancer (NYP)
Fox News Channel political contributor Tony Snow told listeners of his daily radio show yesterday that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Indecency Bill Set to Pass House (Reuters)
The House is expected to approve legislation this week that seeks to increase exponentially the amount of money broadcasters and performers would have to pay for indecency violations.

—David S. Hirschman