This story from KTVI St. Louis was filed in October of 2002 by reporter Elliot Davis. It is quite possibly the worst example of media relations of all time. Special thanks to Tripp Frohlichstein of Media Masters for sending this along.
Friday, October 23, 2009 9:07:35 PM by Mary Fletcher Jones
Do you think he had some kind of breakdown? I'm serious. Maybe it was a stress reaction. I have never seen anything like that. I think the reporter handled it really well.
Friday, October 23, 2009 9:32:59 PM by Jonathan Bernstein
I would love to see how Ortwerth explained himself later! I'm not sure what lessons can be derived from this other than "religious non-sequitors are not an appropriate response to legitimate questions directed at a county official."
Jonathan Bernstein, President Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc.
Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:30:29 PM by Anonymous
I hope this guy got FIRED! This is completely unacceptable!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 9:14:24 PM by anonymous 2
I agree with anonymous. Mr. Ortwerth has no business using God as a decoy for this.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:44:00 PM by Rob Clark
A quick search showed that Joe Ortwerth held onto his role with the county for many more years before transitioning to a lobbyist, fighting against gay marriage and healthcare http://www.missourifamily.org/weekly/08_17_2009.htm
Thursday, December 10, 2009 1:48:39 PM by Tripp Frohlichstein
Word from one of the PR folks back then-he did it because he thought by repeating this over and over, it would never air. My advice is to remember-you aren't talking to the media, you are talking THROUGH the media.
Thursday, December 10, 2009 3:41:10 PM by Deborah Chatterton
I hope he was thoroughly embarrassed when this aired. How could he treat the reporter so disrespectfully?
Friday, December 11, 2009 8:29:06 PM by Nelson V
If we want the community and tax payers to take people in political positions serious then politicians need to have respect for serving as the voice for those who voted him in to office. This is an unacceptable response to a serious issue demanding serious answers.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010 11:20:51 AM by Anonymous
Thing is, there's little/no background here. This "reporter" is vicious and skews facts to hype stories. He's done untold damage (and yes, some good) over many years. It's a lose-lose situation with him.
Saturday, March 27, 2010 1:13:03 PM by Don
Total mind F. Question does not equal answer. Joe controlled the interview, regardless of how crazy his answers may sound.
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