Reporting News Very Different From Being News

By Hanna Aronovich in News on Jul 27, 2006 12:34PM

Dear Diann Burns:

Hi Diann, how’s it going? That TV anchor thing still going well? Still under that $2 million contract? We think it’s great, really. You’re a smart and successful woman, and young girls need more high-paid journalists to look up to rather than high-paid pop stars. But, well, we’ve got some questions for you.

So, you know that lawsuit you filed in May? Remember the one where you accused Metzler/Hull Development Corp. of performing shoddy work on your $3 million Lincoln Park mansion? The one over on the 1900 block of Burling?

Right, well, the suits claims the contractors tried to take advantage of you and hubby Marc Watts because you’re black and “gullible and inexperienced in construction matters.” You listed 84 complaints about the house! Honey, that’s a lot of complaints. And, no doubt, contractors aren’t always on the up-and-up, but these guys at Metzler/Hull are known for working on luxury homes. And, they’ve only had one other contract complaint filed against them in the last 10 years. That’s a pretty good record, don’t you think? And, well, “inexperienced in construction matters?” Aren’t we all? I mean, you’re a smart lady, clearly. Do you really think these contractors would try to pull a fast one on you? Especially given your wealth and clout?

Well, obviously, you’re upset ‘cause you’re still going ahead with the lawsuit. But – and this one really tickles us – you don’t want any media coverage?!? Um, now you know that you work in media, right? As an anchor, it’s your job to report on stories that sometimes the people involved might not want covered. You know that, right? Well, we heard from the Sun-Times that you’re trying to get the case sealed. We would understand if there were children involved or death or something really painful. But we’re talking construction. And, you’re saying if the details of the case – and details about the interior of your home – are made public, you and your family “will suffer unreasonable annoyance and embarrassment.” Really?

What exactly is “unreasonable annoyance?” And “embarrassment?” What have you got going on in that house of yours? Now we’re curious. In fact, we hope the case does go public, and we’re gonna read every word. And then, we’re gonna go strolling up and down Burling and try to figure out which mansion’s yours. Cause we’re nosy like that.