A Media Mystery Here is one of the great mysteries of the journalism world (you are gripped, I'm sure): Why does Jon Friedman have a job?

CBS Marketwatch's media columnist lambastes Portfolio magazine for writing about George Steinbrenner's mental health.

Here is Friedman's argument:

I believe that [reporter Franz] Lidz invaded Steinbrenner's privacy.

And that is the extent of Friedman's argument.

The fact is that while it may be a sad story, Steinbrenner's condition is a legitimate story. The man owns an organization which, though private, certainly gets lots of public support—in building its new stadium, for example. But the Yankees have been insisting that Steinbrenner is just fine, and the beat reporters won't touch the story because they're afraid that they'll lose access.

And if a media critic can't appreciate a reporter who somehow managed to get around the mile-high wall erected by PR guy Howard Rubinstein, he probably should be writing about something else.

Can't CBS Marketwatch ask Friedman to write about children's movies? Or video games?  ¶ 7:05 AM