In the belly of the beast: Bruce Murphy on the Journal Sentinel

How the Journal Sentinel decides to cover -- and not cover -- the news. After three years on the inside, a reporter tells the real story.

That's how Milwaukee Magazine teases the story by its new editor, Bruce Murphy, in its July edition.

Here's how Jim Romenesko describes it on Poynter online, a journalism site:

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2005

What can happen when a newspaper hires a city mag writer

That writer might return to the magazine and tell readers what goes on inside the daily's newsroom. Bruce Murphy was recently rehired by Milwaukee Magazine after working three years at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. At the paper, he writes, "top editors drive the agenda, middle editors worry about their dictates and reporters take turns being confused and demoralized. Against all odds, good stories -- and an occasional great one -- get written, but you can't help but wonder why the paper can't be better. The answer begins in the chaotic mess of the newsroom." Link to story

It's the Milwaukee connection in action. Jim Romenesko once wrote the "Pressroom Confidential" column for Milwaukee Magazine, reporting on inside goings-on in newsroom over at 4th and State. He's since moved on to internet fame, writing about the media online for The Poynter Institute, a school for journalists, future journalists, and teachers of journalists. He also has his own site, the Obscure Store and Reading Room, where he collects offbeat stories.

This will keep newsroom buzzing for a few days.