JUDGE WON'T DROP EDITOR'S SUIT AGAINST GANNETT

By: Staff Reports Former Cincinnati Enquirer Editor Seeks Damages





A judge refused to drop former Cincinnati Enquirer Editor Lawrence K. Beaupre's lawsuit against Gannett Co. Inc., The Associated Press reports.


D.C. Superior Court Judge Stephanie Duncan-Peters said the lawsuit would remain in her court in response to Gannett's request for the case to be dismissed on grounds that her court was not the appropriate venue. The decision, dated Oct. 12, was made public this week by Gannett.



Beaupre, who was editor when the Enquirer published stories about Chiquita Brands International, is seeking unspecified damages. The suit alleges Gannett officials supervised work on the May 1998 series that questioned Chiquita's business practices. Beaupre said he was blamed once problems arose.


In June 1998, the Enquirer renounced the stories, dismissed lead reporter Michael Gallagher, and paid Chiquita more than $10 million. Shortly after, Beaupre was reassigned to a news executive job at Gannett's corporate headquarters.


Duncan-Peters has requested more briefs and will meet with both sides' lawyers on Dec. 15.







Copright 2000, Editor & Publisher.