Pub Def is “Influential” 

In this week’s issue of the St. Louis Business Journal, which includes a long list of the “Most Influential St. Louisans”, I am for some reason listed as one of the most “influential” people in media.

“[Antonio] French, the brain and brawn behind PUB DEF Weekly, leads a never-ending town hall meeting at www.pubdef.net, telling residents what they missed while they were too busy to care — or, we hope, just too busy. The blogger has been all over the ongoing tussle involving St. Louis Board of Education President Veronica O’Brien and Superintendent Diana Bourisaw, prompting scores of comments from supporters and opponents of a proposed state takeover of schools. He keeps an eagle eye on the Board of Aldermen too. If anyone understands better than French that the devil’s in the details, we have yet to be introduced.”

Thank you to the writer of those flattering words. I do wish, however, that I and the thousands of people who clearly expressed their opposition to a state takeover, including nearly every state legislator from the City, did have more influence over those outside people that clearly have more power over our city than we do.

Other “influential” media people on the list were: Kevin Mowbray, the publisher of the “once-admired” (that’s according to the Biz Journal) Post-Dispatch; Donald Suggs, publisher of the “once admired” (that’s according to me) St. Louis American; TV station managers Lynn Beall (KSDK), Allan Cohen (KMOV), and Spencer Koch (KTVI); radio station manager Tim Dorsey (KTRS); radio host and Donnybrooker Charlie Brennan and fellow KMOXer Dave Simmons; and my fellow bloggers, John Combest and Dave Drebes. Meanwhile, our blogger buddy Steve Patterson is listed among the region’s “Influential Steves”.