Reporter, editor say 'Jeff Gannon' plagiarized article

[Roland99]

http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/gannon_accused_of_plagiarism_331.htm

A Massachusetts newspaper reporter and her then-editor have accused former White House correspondent 'Jeff Gannon' of plagiarizing an article at which the reporter was the only media witness, RAW STORY has learned.

The alleged plagiarism was discovered by blogger Ron Brynaert, who has tracked other plagiarism by Gannon and various Talon News correspondents at his blog, WhyAreWeBackInIraq.

A Jun. 17, 2003 article published by Jim Guckert, who wrote under the pen name Jeff Gannon, contains numerous identical quotes and similar phrasing to an article written by Melissa Beecher for the Waltham Daily News Tribune five days earlier. A comparison of the two articles compiled by Brynaert follows.

In the article about a Massachusetts couple who refused to let their home-schooled children take a standardized test, Guckert used quotes identical to Beecher's article without attribution. Beecher was the only reporter in attendance at the couple's home the day the Department of Social Services came to collect the children.

Guckert did not respond to two email requests for comment.

I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.

[AndreaCG]

1. The National Press Club committee that invited him insults journalism

But hey, everything's OKIYAR.

[newyawker99]

4. Hi AndreaCG!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[deacon]

2. Maybe if he was a runaway bride this would be important to cable news

cnn had the gall to do a special on hoaxes, but for some strangggggge reason, he was not included.

And to think yesterday i read an article on how the new head of cnn thinks he is doing a good job. He/they are so incredibly out of touch.

[FreedomAngel82]

3. Ugh

I'm glad they're getting him. What is the crime of palagarizing?

[Stephanie]

5. Can they sue him? Is there any basis here for a civil case?

I'd love for some lawyers to have the opportunity for discovery here. Could be a treasure trove!