Journalists, Bloggers Step Up For Fired Newspaper Reporter

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Newsman Tom Casey

A newspaper in the Catskills is attracting national attention after firing one of its reporters - WAMC's Dave Lucas explains.

The Register-Star in Hudson gave young newsman Tom Casey his walking papers after Casey refused to let his byline go on a story that contained two paragraphs written by an editor who allegedly wanted to bring attention to a city alderman who wouldn't stand for the pledge of allegiance at meetings - something sources say is NOT required under Hudson city code.

National media blogger Jim Romanesko caught wind of the story, while a local blog confirmed that a city editor and two reporters resigned in solidarity with Casey. Another blog published a letter, written by the editorial staff at Hudson-Catskill Newspapers, urging Casey be re-instated. Karrie Allen, editor of the Chatham Courier, signed the letter -  she tells WAMC no one at the company will comment.