C-A's gun permit database stirs up a ruckus

The Commercial-Appeal's recent posting of the state's database of handgun carry permit holders has stirred up a hornets' nest. Pro-gun groups are protesting, people are filing bills in the legislature to close the records and criminalize their publication (hello, prior restraint!) and people are posting maps to the editors' houses. Read a response from C-A editor Chris Peck, and commentary from The Scene's Jeff Woods, who quotes our own Frank Gibson.

Scene: Brewer out at 'City Paper'

Clint Brewer, former president of the Middle Tennessee Pro chapter and former national president of SPJ (and, honest disclosure, someone your chapter blogger would call a friend) has been fired from his post as editor at the Nashville City Paper, SouthCom chief Chris Ferrell tells Jeff Woods:

He cited (a) economic reasons and (b) his desire to give "separate and distinct voices" to the Monday and Thursday editions of the City Paper. "

Channel 2's parent company files for bankruptcy; little local effect expected

Little local impact is expected, The Tennessean reports:

“We’re not anticipating layoffs, we’re not anticipating staff changes, we’re not anticipating changes in programming,” said Gwen Kinsey, general manager of WKRN-TV and WATE-TV. “All of those things are going to continue as always.”

TPA honors Bredesen, 3 lawmakers for open government work

The Tennessee Press Association honored Gov. Phil Bredesen and state legislators Randy McNally, Joe Haynes and Steve McDaniel. More from the AP via WRCB-TV in Chattanooga.

Remembering Robert Churchwell, who broke Southern newspapers' color barrier

Robert Churchwell Sr., who died this weekend, was the first black staffer at a major Southern newspaper, a title that was both a huge accomplishment and a huge burden.

From Tennessean reporter Colby Sledge: 

Mr. Churchwell began reporting solely on the African-American community in an attempt by the Banner to increase circulation among black readers. The 1998 book The Children — the account by former Tennessean reporter David Halberstam of the Nashville civil rights movement — said Mr. Churchwell met with hostility in his own newsroom and among some African-Americans unhappy with his decision to work at the Banner.