Journalist Who Bashed Chick-fil-A‘s Supporters for ’Hatred’ & ‘Unfounded Fear’ on His Personal Facebook Page Reportedly Resigns
- Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:36am by
Billy Hallowell
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While the Chick-fil-A controversy is certainly simmering, there’s still some chatter, fallout and ongoing opinion being thrown around on both sides of the debate. As TheBlaze has highlighted, gay activists and religious people weren’t the only ones to get in on the discussion. Some journalists and reporters, too, made their views known.
In the midst of the chaos, FOX News’ Shepard Smith, for one, seemed to dub “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day“ as a ”Day of Intolerance.” Now, another reporter who made some more flagrant statements — but on his own, personal social media account — has resigned from his Florida newspaper post.
FILE
The journalist in question, Mark Krzos, a (former) writer for the Fort Myers News-Press, apparently took to his Facebook page to make known his views on Chick-fil-A and those supporting the restaurant chain’s opinion on gay marriage. While the post has since been removed, JimRomenesko.com reports that Krzos wrote that “the level of hatred, unfounded fear and misinformed people [who showed up at Chick-fil-A on "Appreciation Day"] was astoundingly sad.”
Here’s more of the purported messaging that was present on Krzos’ page:
I have never felt so alien in my own country as I did today while covering the restaurant’s supporters. The level of hatred, unfounded fear and misinformed people was astoundingly sad. I can’t even print some of the things people said. …
It was like broken records of Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh and a recitation of half-truths and outright lies.
FILE
The post was shared nearly 100 times before it was deleted from Krzos’ page. When confronted about it, his editor, Terry Eberly, said that it was “inappropriate” and that the newspaper was planning to take action to address it. Here‘s Eberly’s full statement on the matter:
The comments made by reporter Mark Krzos on his personal Facebook page were completely inappropriate. They were done without the knowledge of The News-Press and violate our policies. When we became aware of the comments, we asked the reporter to remove them. We consider this a very serious matter that hurts our credibility and we will take strong and appropriate action.
We don’t know the particulars, but after a meeting with his editor, the journalist has apparently resigned. GetReligion.org tackled this issue, providing some insight on both sides of the issue:
It’s an unpleasant thing to read. Yes, Krzos lost the trust of his readers. He most likely lost the trust of his bosses as well. He publicly made some extreme claims and was unable to substantiate them. That’s never a good thing to hear about a reporter.
Still, one hopes that a reporter might be given a second chance. Besides, we still don’t know if his story would have been more balanced than his Facebook rant. Every reporter is entitled to a little freak out amongst friends — what counts is what ends up in the story.
There’s much we don’t know. Perhaps this was part of a pattern. Or perhaps Krzos senses he might be better suited to advocacy instead of journalism.
Considering what we know about the story, where do you stand? Should the journalist have been forced out — or would a slap on the wrist have been a more appropriate measure (remember, we don’t know whether he was urged to step down or whether it was his choice to do so)? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
(H/T: Instapundit)
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Comments (100)
noleftturn
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:45am…. if this is the standard by which a reporter should resign, 90% of the MSM should be out of a job today.
Report Post »MAX0O1
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:21amYOU got it!!
Report Post »OhioRifleman
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:14am95%, in my estimation.
Report Post »Amarath01
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:54amI am for freedom of expression so no. If the employeer feels otherwise that is there call, however, i want people to speak their minds , i want a debate, this is how you move forward. Reacting with hate to others views or hate is no better then their actions, take the higher road.
Report Post »richauthor
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:01pmThis business of bashing Chick-Fil-A is like a Chinese finger puzzle that you put your finger in, but when you try to pull your finger out, it simply holds your finger more tightly.
There is not rhyme or reason to it. Chick-fil-A and other organizations are being held up as hateful and intolerant for having legal views about a controversial social situation… and yet those on the other side are the ones who do ALL of the screaming about how hateful and poisonous the other side is. This country has turned upside down since the election of Barack Hussein Obama.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:14pmI moved to Fort Myers from a city that was ruined by years 30+ of democrat-only leadership. I like it here.
My hunch is that Mark’s FB posts angered some of the local readers and the News-Press let him go in an effort to salvage subscribers.
Report Post »IsThereADifference
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 12:51pmLiberals must love the taste of foot…
Report Post »jsciai
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 3:02pmFreedom of Speech does not mean freedom from the consequense of that speech. I can say whatever I want to, barring anything illegal(slander, etc.), but I cannot force others to like what I say or espouse my view. If I want to ‘spout off’ I should be adult enough to have thought out the pros and cons of that and adult enough to accept them. Too many people want their cake and eat it too.
Report Post »Kevin The Elder
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 3:24pmAll I can do is once again call attention to all here who love freedom. Reprisals against anyone voicing their opinions on their private Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc accounts should be condemned. I don’t care if the one opining is a reporter, policeman, or student, gay or straight, black or white, male or female!!! Free speech is free speech. What ever happened to ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones’?
Report Post »RevDev
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 3:46pmKevin The Elder, you are wrong. This reporter is a public figure and he slandered a group of private individuals. Public figures do not have the right to incite a riot and inflame passions by spewing half-truths and out right falsehoods. He absolutely deserved to loose his public job and rejoin the private class. Now he can be as partisan as he chooses to be.
Report Post »longun45
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:41amFacebook is not private, the things you post on the internet are not deleted and are usually admissible in court.
Like the news business – they do not forget and will dredge up what ever they can.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:31amIt would appear to me that today’s journalist are trained to have some effect on the news and interject their own views. As products of the liberal government schools, in essence they are trained that way. This is just another example of that mind set that liberal schools have thrust upon society with liberal viciousness. Make no mistake about it, these are dangerous people and must be carved from society wherever they dwell. Intimidation, Social unrest, property damage and personal injury or worse are the tools of their trade. They are quite dangerous people and must be watched and dealt with closely.
Report Post »mike551
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:30amBye-ba-bye-ba-bye-bye-bye!!!!
Report Post »USA5
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 4:51pmThere is always past behavior that make this incident ‘the straw’. I trust those in charge knew best.
I believe a lot of liberals are in jobs they don’t deserve….so better to lose a job, open it up for someone who truly has skills…and redirect this guy to apply at ChickFl-a
That pic of chicken sandwich…looks so good…nearest ChickFl-a is too far..dang.
Report Post »diverdan
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:29amLike so many of the readers, I have stopped viewing Smith; in fact I rarely watch Fox anymore because they spend more time talking about which actor is doing what than dealing with news. The rest of the media has just become an outlet for Obama. But back to this “reporter”. I personally don‘t care what someone’s sexual preference is. However, I do care that anyone thinks they can force their beliefs on others. Let’s be direct: The left does not allow for dissent. Comply or you will be attacked. We are at a fork in the road for the soul of this country. I would like to see the concept of America continue. But, when I look at the number of people on government handouts and read articles daily about the hatred and intolerance on the left, I don’t have much hope.
Report Post »panache
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:29amI too have stopped watching Smith. He seems far too fullk of himself for my taste. As a matter of fact, I stopped watching Greta; Lou Dobbs is a lot better and more informative.
Report Post »orangetom1999
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:01amI do not watch Shepard Smith and only on occasion do I watch Fox News. I particularly do not care for Sean Hannity because in his own way I have seen him cut off guests in like manner of Chris Matthews whom I also do not watch. I want to hear what these people say ..even if I dont agree with it.
I have notice this pattern in many newspaper formats where on the left of the page is a little of what passes for news and then to the right of the page is what all the stars and celebrities are doing.
I notice this fingerprint and pattern very quickly. The English Daily Mail uses this format as well as some American Papers. I am not interested in what the stars or celebrities are doing in their private lives. I am not also interested in Tabloid News or Politics. I think this is just a way to put people on a string and control them to think emotionally or not think at all for themselves.
I will decide for myself what I will watch or listen.
I choose to get some of my news and informations from the shortwave radio rather than tainted domsetic sources. Also from this computer..and not television news. I can also get certain news and informations world wide from other Hams.
But be careful no matter your sources. Teach yourself to think..not emote like many of our journalists and leaders today. Tabloid formats are become popular to keep you from thinking for yourself. To grab you by your emotions and prevent independent thinking…only emoting allowed. Puppets on a string
Report Post »orangetom1999
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:18amThink about this for a change.
What does the word “Amuse or Amusement ” mean???
A—Without
Muse–Thinking
Amuse/Amusement….Without Thinking. Something fed to you to prevent thinking.
Want to know why the news formats have become opinion and tabloid like. To put you on an emotional string and stop you from thinking.
What has politics become…a tabloid format…just like news…to prevent thinking and get emotional train wrecks into the voting booth.
Why is Hollywood so far up the backside of Politics and vice versa?? This cannot be accidental..but deliberate.
They are there to turn you into non thinkers. To worship the gods of the big screen and stop thinking for yourselves…as if hollywood knows how to spend your monies better than do you. Same thing with our leaders.
Learn to think about the news and informations ..not emote. If you emote..someone else controls you and not you deciding for yourself.
Does this give you a strong clue as to why the OWS people along with the anti Chick Fil A crowds were such emotional train wrecks?? They were made that way by not thinking…A Muse.
A Muse or emotions /non thinking..is also a rapid path to Entitlement thinking and guilt manipulation techniques in entitlements. The politics of guilt manipulation over others….ie….control.
Report Post »hugo65hsv
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:23amThe comments here say it all, about liberal lies and smearing.. My favorite these days is Romney paid no taxes author “Harry Reid”..
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:37amSince you mentioned Reid here’s one for you,according to the owner of the moonlight bunny ranch,Dennis Hoff,claims that Reid’s mother worked at a whore house but Harry said she worked in the laundry of the house. So it looks like Harry was working on his lying skills to become a lifetime politician.
Report Post »Rob
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:23amI don’t have a facebook page partially for the reason that it is stupid to put all your thoughts out there for everyone to read. I think it is just dumb. I don’t even send anything harsh or serious in an email. I talk to people face to face about serious things. That way there is nothing that anyone can use as proof or evidence of what was said…. I am trying to teach my wife that, but like so many, she craves the attention she gets for posting banal things on her facebook page. “Went to the gym today, feel great!”, and then when people “like” her comment she feels good. One of her co-workers was fired for something she wrote about the boss in an email after it was forwarded to him. I hope my wife will learn, but am not holding my breath.
Report Post »RightThinking1
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:42amAm sympathetic. My wife is rather too engaged with FB also. I have nothing to do with any ‘social media’.
Report Post »A friend forwarded the following:
“Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at
the cool table in a Mental Hospital cafeteria.”
Ari Ben TZion
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:20amSupport Chick-fil-A, G-d bless Dan Cathy.
Close your Amazon account and ask others to do the same.
Put Amazon on the endangered species list.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:57amWhy Amazon? I guess I’m out of the loop.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:12amShep is a wuss…..always has been and always will be……
Report Post »TROONORTH
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:07amThere is such hatred in the liberal media. They feel free to label anything that they do not agree with as evil, sexist or racist but it is the labeler that is expressing the hatred. Shepard Smith was way out of line and should be reprimanded my his employers. It is rumoured that he is gay but never the less his opinion is based in ignorance and should never have made the broadcast.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:41amI wonder why he resigned, though. Those kind of people are shameless and feel no guilt. The only people who showed hate and professed unfounded fears were the progressive left.
Report Post »Maybe someone with MORE journalistic integrity got to him?
One Man Mormon Blues Band
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:57amHatred in the liberal media? Have you read the posts on the Blaze? I am a conservative, but the comments left here, on all sorts of topics, are terrible.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:06amThat’s one down.. I wish we could just give this country a enema and cleanse this Liberal constipation that is plaguing America.. But I know that would be to much to ask..
Report Post »I suppose we will have to settle for using a mild laxative ..
and flush out these turds one at a time..
Striker
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:05amIt does not surprise me that a “journalist” has made his point of view known and it was a liberal one. He will do much better as an activist. That way he can say what he wants and not be held acountable or have to back it up.
Report Post »tommyr
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:02amAny reputable news outlet would have fired this guy. He is too emotional to properly perform his work as a reporter and should seek employment in another field. Mismatches like this happen all the time.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:12amYou hit upon the key phrase “any reputable news group,” which with the MSM is all but non existence; he should have been fired long before.
Report Post »Bruce P.
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:00amWhile I agree with Krzos’ sentiment, the editorializing was inappropriate on a professional level. Though, yes, it was on his personal Facebook page, even so, his personal page is still a public face for his company. Doubtless many fans of his newspaper follow him on Facebook for that reason.
I have a personal Facebook page but I avoid making controversial political statements there because I do have a number of “friends” on there who are professional associates. It makes good business sense to remain neutral, or at least not attack anyone.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:13amSo where you at a CFA on that day? No , of course not. I was, and I heard absolutely no “hatred” or “unfounded fear” and you could print EVERYTHING that was said. Yet you blindly “agree with Krzos’ sentiment”. The left loves gullible fools like you. You make it possible for them to hold high office.
Report Post »Bruce P.
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:17amWhere was at at CFA day? Choosing not to support a company run by a man who supports hate (thought I cannot claim it is to be some great moral stand…I never liked CFA in the first place). While Dan Cathy may wrap himself in Orwellian rhetoric, at brass tacks, he supports hate-groups. And many people allowed themselves to be confused by Dan Cathy‘s lies and Huckabee’s manipulation. So yes, I agree with the reporters sentiments, there is nothing “blind” about it. You only say it is blind because you do not agree with my viewpoint. You cannot point to any reason my agreement is unthinking.
Saying you are “pro” something by being anti something else is nonsense.
Report Post »DLV
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:31amBruce- you should really look up the definition of hate. CFA doesnt hate, they merely support traditional marriage that’s hating. What gay people and gay supporters did to people going to CFA, THAT IS HATE! Really you should try to be neutral and see situations for the way they really are. If CFA supporters did what gay supporters did, I would be after them. Try again.
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:48pmWhat hate groups does he support? Could you be more specific please?
And how does Orwellian rhetoric play into this? By that logic, you could say someone that is prolife is some misogynist sunuvabeach that wants to deny woman control or some other ‘Orwellian rhetoric’ :P
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:59amWhen the article named, for some unknown reason, shep smith and his intemperate comment; I thought/hoped that smith resigned, and I could again watch The Fox Report. Alas, he did not. I miss the days when reporters fairly reported the news, and were not part of, let alone the whole story.
The reporter is entitled to his opinion, but he apparently was a reporter, not an opinion writer. As a reporter, he should know to report not opine. Particularly, when the only hate reports came from those opposing Chik-Fil-A’s supporters.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:47amYes I know what you mean I can’t watch ole Shep because he makes too many assumptions,like the Martin case where the blubbering Smith had Zimmerman convicted before a trial date was set.
Report Post »He‘s a liberal idiot that I can’t stomach.
Susie
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:59amIf Krzos thinks he’s never felt so alien in his own country, then imagine how we feel, having the institution of marriage which has been a sacred and time honoured tradition since time immemorial, not only destroyed but turned into a joke.
Report Post »The Jewish Avenger
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:57ambu-bye
Report Post »jdw2469
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:53amThese liberal “journalists” are way out of control. It’s becoming harder and harder to “substantiate” their rants anyway so….. Whats new? If they’d just stick to the stories backed by facts instead of assuming guilt, or going on their “feelings” and opinions on the matter they’d be OK.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:52amand you keep writing about this Billy, to prove what?
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:07ampound sand dumbhead
Report Post »grimmster
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 9:17am@steelhead aka encinom,
Thats all you could come up with idiot? As Ajayw said, “pound sand ” you f-n idiot.
Drago! Thats right enciloon, i’m back.
Report Post »historyguy48
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:51amSince I am actually a very moderate person perhaps they shouldn’t have fired him. Perhaps the editor should have merely re-assigned him to something far less tasking, like reporting on garbage pickup, or the number of cars zipping through various intersections in the city.
Report Post »On second thought, the editor did him a favor. Now he can go to work for the Gay Times newspaper.
justangry
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:49amDoes anyone believe we have a free and independent press anymore? If you say something the CFR doesn’t like… you’re fired.
Report Post »PinTwister
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:00amHe was paid to cover the news, not to create it.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:01amAngry that your buddy RESIGNED?
Report Post »justangry
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:18amNah, guilty of a lack of sleep and a bad job skimming and comprehending the article.
Report Post »loveoursoldiers
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:49amneed more info. I don’t think facebook posts should be used by employers but apparently they do.
Report Post »Shep Smith. Is he a news person or there to provide commentary on the news? If he is a news person he should be cited for HIS intolerance.
GeorgieJo
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:04amI don’t watch Shep anymore
Report Post »He was becoming alittle too hinky for me.
kickagrandma
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:46amTHANK YOU, GOD, FOR UNCOVERING the darkness, the vile, evil one who is intent on destroying us CHRISTIANS and YOUR BLESSED NATION, AMERICA. Keep on, please, LORD. We are standing and fighting in YOUR HOLY NAME. We praise YOU and THANK YOU for opening our eyes, empowering our spirits, granting us YOUR courage. In JESUS’ HOLY AND MIGHTY name, amen.
May more “people of THE HOLY GOD JEHOVAH” step up to correct the wrongs which are so blatantly prevalent in this world today, esp. in the msm/lmsm.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:54amGrandma, thank you so much for your powerful prayers.
Report Post »snapperman
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:45amI have difficulty with the concept tat he encountered hateful people at Chick-Fil-A.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:50amThat is what I was thinking at first too. But, then I had to sit back and recall how the trolls here call “disagreeing” hate on The Blaze. It made sense then.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:05amAnyone having a differing opinion are considered hateful….
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 8:42amOdd, in all the news I watched, I don’t recall a sign saying anything about gays, just people in long lines. Did anyone else see something Different? However there were plenty of “kiss-in” signs that were pretty nasty. I would need pictures and sound bites of people saying nasty things-haven’t seen any on the support sign yet-if I am wrong , show me. I feel sorry for people who let their feelings overcome good sense. If he said unsubstanuated things, he deserved firing, but I would have hoped some mercy and dressing down would have been a first choice if this was the first time he acted this way, jobs are hard to find. We all need second chances at sometime.
Report Post »DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 7:41amSecond chance? No. This level of animosity towards others won’t just go away with a slap on the wrist. His attitude will pervade everything he writes…let him find work with a liberal hate group, like PBS.
Report Post »MAX0O1
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 10:30amHE REALLY DOES BELONG WITH left wing rags. MY PROBLEM is that the family of
Report Post »these idiots are the ones who suffer!