Long time editor, Dean Miller, has been “let go” from the Post Register. Dean Miller was serving as the Executive Editor of the Post Register, and has been behind many controversial stories locally printed, including an article about pedophiles using the Boy Scouts as a source for young boys which was used to attack the local boy scout organization, and a recent article about how “women can openly touch, smell and taste products designed to promote healthy sexual relationships.”
He has also written a self promoting essay about his courage standing up to the Post Register and the Idaho Falls Community when a backlash ensued.
Dean left the Post Register a little over a year ago to do a nine-month fellowship at Harvard. He returned to the Post Register some months ago. It is possible that Roger Plothow realized that they could run the paper without Dean during that time, or that the paper ran more smoothly without Dean around.
Regardless of the controversy he created, there is no arguing he is an savvy journalist with strong opinions who aggressively goes after creating energetic news.
Its doubtful Dean Miller being gone will impact the Post Register much. He has had limited involvment for so long anyway. Roger Plothow, however, has a reputation of continuing to make improvements, and I anticipate we’ll continue to see things get better with our local newspaper.
Popularity: 14%
Related posts:
Gato got runned over by Marcus many moons ago. Be ye daft, 2486? 
Let's have a new poll, alright, Joe?
Loading ...
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for clearing things up on who Dean Miller is. It sounds like the paper is probably better without him.
I figured when I read that story about the “sex toy parties” there would be some sort of backlash. I’m still waiting for the letters to the editor. Should be a hoot.
why does it sound like the paper is better off without him? are his stories too controversial for the closeted mormons here?
I agree with “lefty”. What’s the big deal about a sex toy party? I happen to know a woman that hosts those here in town and all over SE Idaho and she is booked solid through the end of the summer. So either there are a few prudes here who are up in arms over nothing, or there are alot more people out there enjoying this type of party than a certain group of people want to admit.
I never read the story on this particular topic, but alot more is sold at these parties than just sex toys. (and for the record, no sex whatsoever is even remotely performed during such parties)
Whatever the reason for Mr Miller being let go from the Post Register, I’m sure it had more to do with cutting costs the way they cut out the Monday edition, than for anything he wrote about.
That’s just my take on the issue, I could be wrong.
Y’all are a day (week?) late and a dollar short with this story. It’s old news. And the PR will be much worse off w/o Dean. Nice suck up to Roger, though.
The story seemed tasteful enough. It was very informative, and yes, I’ve been to, and hosted, several of these parties. They are actually quite fun.
Geez, “News” hound – did you finally get around to reading last Thursday’s Post Register? Or was it just a story you needed to sit on for a week?
Don’t know what prompted the decision, but the paper will be much the poorer for Miller’s “let go”. I just don’t see Roger pursuing controversial stories with the same energy, not to mention his conflict-of-interest as head of both advertising and news.
What improvements has Roger (or his reputation) made? Fewer journalists, even less local coverage, a thinner paper, fewer days, horrible web site, no clear strategy…
What’s gonna happen when the AP is dropped? More day-late-google?
Dear News Hound:
“News Hound” is an affectionate term for a reporter, i.e. someone who takes responsibility for what they write by putting their real name on it…every time.
If you had actually read the “courage” article I was commissioned to write, you’d notice that I pointedly rejected that word, arguing that folks who praised my staff’s work should have been praising the courage of the men who came forward to tell their painful stories in hopes of preventing any further scouts from being molested.
Those men got trashed by curs who play casually with other people’s reputations without having ever done the hard work of building a reputation by standing accountable for every single word they publish and every decision they make.
It ain’t braggin’ if ya done it.
And if you haven’t…you haven’t.
Pick a more appropriate user name.
Or, better yet, use your own name.
Sincerely,
Dean Miller
An Editor like Dean Miller who had the courage to publish the stories about the LDS Scout pedophile Scandal is an asset and hero in every community. Dean Miller and Peter Zuckerman exposed the coverups. And pedophile enablers showed how far they are willing to go, in a desperate and misguided attempts to defend their faith, and the poor leadership in the LDS Wards and LDS Scout troops. The length these people were willing to go to attack the Post Register and the journalists and the victims is truly disgusting.
Who will tell the truth now?
We are now one step closer to becoming Melaleuaca Falls. Mr Vandersloot may not have been behind the firing but I fear that Miller’s replacement won’t have the stones that Miller did and will end up kissing Vandersloot’s you know what.
I think I need to respond to this article. I like how Dean goes after the problem. I don’t think this author gave Dean a fair view of his strengths as well has his weaknesses.
However, this is an opinions site, and everyone has the right to express their opinions. If someone feels differently, please share your comments, or write an article. That’s what the site is here for.. and I don’t think I’ve ever turned down an article yet. (unless it’s been a blatent advertisment or a one sentense question).
KPVI’s story on Dean’s firing says:
“there were several factors in Miller being let go, including a recent story on the paper’s front page about a woman who holds private parties to improve women’s intimate relationships.”
and
“We called Publisher Roger Plothow for comment but we were told by his secretary that he would not make any further comment other than what was reported in their newspaper Thursday. ”
It sounds like there might be some internal conflict or disciplinary issues that have been going on. Or at least something behind the scenes. Anyone have any ideas as to what that would be all about?
I don’t know why Anonymouse # 2 in comment 7 & the person who claims to be Dean Miller in comment #8 would come down on News Hound for posting this topic. I thought it was a rather positive post regarding the man. Especially since the topic hasn’t been discussed here. Who cares if it’s a week late?
Just seems like an odd response from Dean Miller if that was in fact the real Dean Miller. I have a hard time believing this person is who he says he is.
I agree, Joe. The whole situation seems rather cloudy. The PR article written by Plothow said Miller had been fired, but then went on to pour praise on him.
If Miller was so great, why was he fired?
If he was simply “let go” as a result of the paper downsizing, why didn’t Plothow say that? It would certainly make sense and nobody would have thought anymore about it.
There has been a funny vibe about the whole situation, even going back to Miller’s sabatacal.
Obviously, we’re not getting the whole story.
And maybe we don’t need the whole story. However, if that’s the case, the announcement should have been couched in less mysterious terms.
Dean Miller is one of the best journalists I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed. The Post must have their reasons. It’s a personnel issue. Even in this day and age of blogs, twitter feeds and instant “news” delivery; we simply do not have the RIGHT to know everything about ever decision a private company makes about its personnel. Please respect the public nature of the situation for Dean and his family and for his former employees at the Post, and for those who had to make what I am sure was a very difficult decision. Remember– you don’t know how tough it is to “fire” people until you’ve had to do it.
fpj
Dean Miller is one of the meanest, most ruthless people in Idaho Falls. He is self absorbed, and thinks he has the right to walk all over top of anyone – and everyone…
He’s done it over and over. He is a master of twisting the facts if it creates for a more juicy story. He’s attempted to intimidate readers who write in letters to the editor when their views were different from his own. He represents everything that is WRONG with questionable reporting today. Its no wonder he was canned.
What we really need is someone who goes after the story, and doesn’t try to paint false pictures or twist facts along the way.
KUDOS TO THE POST REGISTER ON HAVING THE COURAGE TO GET RID OF THEIR #1 PROBLEM. It couldn’t have been easy.
Lets take a big sigh of relief and go out and enjoy this early spring!
Sure, and I suppose the story he wrote about two of our local boy scouts being molested by prominent member of the LDS community was just another irresponsible twisted story and he got the facts all wrong? Whatever.
Angry, you may not be aware, but after the Scouts Honor series, Dean Miller later admitted there was no cover-up.
But that’s one of the problems with Dean, he’ll try to paint a picture that doesn’t really exist. But at least this time, he admited. it.
I disagree that we shouldn’t look into the circumstances related to Dean Miller’s firing.
In a tribute to Dean and his digging for the story, I think we should do exactily that. There’s a story here, and it should be told. Dean Miller himself was an advocate for open information.
Was there insubordination? A battle of power? Outside influences? Illegal activities? Financial challenges?
Someone’s got to know something…
Is it really relevant though? It’s not like he’s a government official that lost his job for reasons unknown. It’s none of our business and imho he’s just another American who lost his job in this country. Live and let die.
In a way, Plothow made it our business by putting the Miller firing in the paper.
Had he worded it correctly, it would have been a non-story like all the other”fascinating” articles about the inner workings of the company.
Instead, Roger, shrouded it in non-sequiters as though inviting a public investigation.
Good point Ace
Comment #17 – Who is this prominent member of the LDS community? I thought it was Brad Stowell who was convicted of the crime. How is he is a prominent member? Trying to stir the pot? Let me give you a clue, Vandersloot was behind the firing of Dean Miller. Oh, and also he was behind 911, and the Kennedy assasination.
The Post Register’s so-called news story reflected a great deal of ominous anger toward Dean Miller. In 38 years of working off-and-on in the news media, I have not ever seen, even once, an article in which it was “reported” that the editor was “fired.”
My view about why Miller was fired is that the newspaper sent him off to Harvard, paid his salary for a year, and expected him to come back and transform the newspaper. He didn’t do that.
I think he was fired for failing to provide value in return for the investment the Post Register made in his carerr. It’s a real waste now because someone else will benefit assuming Miller is willing to work to expectations.
Although I don’t know much about Miller and his years with the Post Register, I seriously doubt his firing had anythinig to do with the PR not getting a “good return on their investment”. Even though the PR is a small town newspaper, most large corporations will pay for some if not all of their employees tuition to further their education. And it’s not required you further your education for the specific career you’re in. At least that wasn’t the case with the companies I’ve worked for over the years. (although it doesn’t hurt)
As for him “transforming” the newspaper on his own, that’s just not very realistic in my opinion. A newspapers sucess isn’t measured by the value and/or quality of work from a single reporter, editor, etc., but is more a team effort. Having spent 38 years on & off in the biz, wouldn’t you agree Mr White?
That was my mistake Herb re the prominent member comment. It was the church sponsored scout troop that attempted to cover up this story.
In response to CR67, let’s assume the “nut” for Mr. Miller’s advanced education at Harvard, including salary for his time away, travel and relocation costs, and incidental expenses, not including tuition, which is paid by the Fellowship, is $100K.
If I was the publisher, I’d want to see an ROI on that investment of at least 4-6 times earnings over the next 2-3 years in terms of new revenue from new products and services.
If Mr. Miller wanted a sabattical for personal fulfillment that’s fine, but is that what the newspaper had in mind? Perhaps the publisher and owner never articualted their concept of ROI for that kind of money? They should have before Miller even stepped on the plane for Boston.
This leaves open the issue of whether ROI, or not, played a role in his being fired. In any case, I agree with others that the public airing of an internal personnel decision was both hostile and unnecessary.
You obviously know more than the rest of us. Who told you he was paid a salary while in school? And what do you mean by it was all “paid for by the fellowship”?
I still think you’re doing a lot of speculating here.
I think your 3rd paragraph sums it up nicely though.
Anonymouse,
Looking into it, comment #18 is correct, Dean did in fact admit there was not a cover-up.
LINK: “Post Register Finally Admits There Was No Scout Cover-Up”
The real question is, why did he spin the story to make it look like there was a cover up, when he knew all along there wasn’t one?
Dean Miller feels about as slimy as they come. As I’ve read his stuff, it never felt like he was reporting the news, but more like pushing his personal politics.
I hope he can find another job in town that will enable him to provide for his family. I hate the thought of anyone being out on the streets without a job. But hopefully it will be a job that he won’t be able to push his personal agendas on everyone else.
I hadn’t realized it before, but I’ve been much more impressed with the Post Register while Dean’s been gone. Good call on the newspaper’s part.
Dean Miller here.
Nothing like a few facts to screw up a good character assassination by anonymous blogsters.
Real bloggers play by minimal rules of accountability and transparency.
They put on their big boy pants and take responsibility for their best work…like calling someone “slimy”.
The articles to which some of these Brave Sir Robins object?
Every last one of them carried the name, email address and phone number of the writer and were published on pages that bore the name, email address and phone number of the editor. The paper’s physical address is published as well. That’s called accountability. (I know, a big word, but worth looking up in the dictionary. It’s how adults conduct their lives.)
Notsofast…you really think anyone with half a brain doesn’t know who you are? Move a couple states away and see how brave you are without the armor of nepotism. If you’re going to link to the Mela-pages, link to the one with the manly almost-apology to the victims of the pedophile scout leaders.
Non-commenting readers, this is the precise difference between journalism and blogging: journalists wear a set. Blogsters like Notsofast pretend to.
Any blogster who wants to grow up to be a real blogger could have:
- Googled and learned immediately that I won a Nieman Fellowship
- Followed that to the Nieman site
- Immediately found that the Nieman Foundation at Harvard pays Nieman Fellows the majority of their expenses for an academic year at Harvard: a $55,000 salary, plus child care, living expenses, etc. They cover tuition for the Fellow and his or her spouse, too. All of that is a public record.
-The Nieman Foundation negotiates with each fellow’s employer for health insurance and I was told that the Post Register graciously picked up that tab: a pretty good bargain when your employee arranges the funding for his mid-career training.
Sorry to screw up your little gang-bang with a few facts, but as Dean Wormer said to Bluto…”Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”
Two out of three ain’t good, guys.
Sincerely,
Dean Miller
Thank you Mr Miller for taking the time to come onto the site to set the record straight and to leave some excellent comments. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
Dear Dean, Wormer or Miller, does it matter?
Get over yourself. Take your Nieman Fellowship and compare it to a kindergarten degree. What do they have in common? Both awards have imprinted words.
Big deal.
Immediately found that the Nieman Foundation at Harvard pays Nieman Fellows the majority of their expenses for an academic year at Harvard: a $55,000 salary, plus child care, living expenses, etc. They cover tuition for the Fellow and his or her spouse, too.
Good for you. Maybe you can turn winning awards into a living. Certainly you’re no good at holding down a job.
Wendyjo. Nice public display of your true colors. Again. You are one vitriolic a–. You obviously know nothing about Dean or his family.
Yeah, that was a little over the top Wendy Jo. Personally, I don’t understand why to this very day the public feels his job details, firing, and entire life are their business anyway. Get a life and move on people. There are more important things going on locally, nationally, and globally.
Good luck Mr. Miller.
Dean,
Thank you for coming here to set the facts straight! You’re welcome here any time!
The background you’ve shared of the award and how the bill was paid should clear up the record for the doubters.
I think it is rather unfair that someone gets let go, one leaks their side of the story about the reason for the firing, and the employee doesn’t have a chance to get their side of the facts out. Is there anything you can or want to share about the reason you were “told” you were let go? Or what you think the REAL reason was behind the surprise termination?
Dean-
Thanks for the great line from Animal House. Made my day.
fpj
First of all, people, the guy’s lost his job. Give him a break.
And although at first I thought Dean’s response was over the top, I try to put myself in his shoes, and I might get a little angry too if I felt everyone was beating up on me right after I lost my job.
Dean,
If you had a clue who I am, then you’d already know I have been outside of Idaho for a long time. But just because I don’t live there,that doesn’t make my views less valid.
And your response proves my point. You have a reputation for being vicious.
I stopped by this site because I heard it allowed people to share their views while remaining anonymous. With people like you out there, it’s nice for those of us who don’t have the money or power you’ve had. Thank heavens for anonymity for the little guy.
I don’t know maybe it’s just me, but I have to agree with Dean on this one. If you’re going to publicly bash someones reputation than step up and own your comments by using your real name instead of hiding behind an anonymous screen name.
But again, that’s just me.
Dean Miller isn’t the first employee to be fired from the Post Register for doing his job and stepping on the wrong toes. Dean was a newcomer to Idaho Falls 14 years ago when he fired me, at least in part, because I ruffled feathers when I dug too deep into a story about Westmark Federal Credit Union overcharging borrowers $11 million, and criticized my superiors for refusing to allow me to continue pursuing the story, which ironically won first place for investigative reporting from the Idaho Press Club in 1994.
At the time, Dean told me: “One award does not a career make.” Obviously, he was correct, even if the award is a Nieman Fellowship.
I wish Dean no ill will, however, and hope he discovers brighter opportunities, as I did after leaving Idaho Falls.
Stuart Englert
Nashville, TN
“Over the top,” perhaps, but certainly within the guidelines of discussion. Mr. Miller, when defending himself and critiquing other’s viewpoints wrote, and I quote: “Notsofast…you really think anyone with half a brain doesn’t know who you are? Move a couple states away and see how brave you are without the armor of nepotism.”
A not so indirect bash at not only one poster but also all citizens of the small area served by his former place of employment; many of who are my fellows.
It is true that newspaper companies across the states are experiencing great financial hardship, resulting in bankruptcy for dozens of them with countless employees having lost their jobs. Here, in Idaho Falls, our local newspaper has published its last Monday edition of a 7 day publication for who knows how long. Mr. Miller lost his job, and who knows how many other long time employees will find themselves in his same position.
Unlike him, those other employees most likely didn’t get any big perks from the job, don’t have a great resume to fall back on, and haven’t felt the need to write a scathing keyboard attack denouncing the community that financially supported them.
The “Post Register” could have better worded the announcement that Mr. Miller and their business was parting company. He, now and in spite of the fact that better wording wasn’t received, could have S. T. H. U.
I suggest you S.T.H.U. You are projecting, and the picture you paint of yourself isn’t one bit flattering.
Tense down, “Not Surprised.” I most assuredly was not trying to flatter you.
The nightly news this evening reported that newspapers all over the country have fallen on hard times and have been laying off people in all departments. Not only because of the recession but because so many people get their news for free off the internet nowadays and thats been hurting even the largest publications in the country.
Yeah, I heard that report too. I know longer have the “Post Register” delivered to my home, but receive the publication on line. Additionally, I read the Twin Falls & Boise newspapers online. Out of state, I read “papers” from SLC, LA, Texas, DC, and NY – all online. Of those media services, the only one I pay for is our local online newspaper. The others are available free of charge.
Oh, I also read MSNBC, FOX & CNN. They are also available free of charge (with the exception of paying for internet service).
Maybe media outlets aught start working deals with internet providers.
You are most assuredly not that well read WJ. And neither are you attractive either intellectually or physically.
Yeah, I think the Post Register had better get with the program and start offering their online content free before they start losing customers via that source as well. I thought it was odd they didn’t offer if for free when I moved here a few years ago. I have to think they will eventually in order to compete.
Mr. Plothow came on the site last year and defended the PR’s stance on this issue by stating the online content was free to those who have a subscription sent to their homes. But to tell you the truth, I really don’t understand that reasoning. Why would you need access to the paper online if you get a copy sent to your home or visa versa? Just doesn’t make sense to me…..but that’s just my view on the issue fwiw.
I’m not well read, “Not Surprised?” Obviously not, I’m reading your waste.
You can get the PR online without getting it delivered to your door, CR67, just opt-out of home delivery. You still pay for home delivery, have on-line access, but don’t get the multiple pages to throw in the trash. Saves a lot of recycling.
SAVE THE TREES!
Holy Crap, Wendyjo! This has all the makings of an old ladies quilt club and gossip festival.
Probably would of been best to use less words, a lot less words in what you had to say about Dean.
Jumping in a little late here, but –
News Hound – thanks for giving us a story to discuss.
CR67 – you’re right, the sex party article was next to nothing. But I didn’t think he wrote that article? So how does that play into anything?
William – I got the same feeling about “ominous anger” in the Post Register’s news article.
Dean – Be careful not to hurt your arm by reaching around to pat yourself on the back too hard.
Wendyjo – some great comments.
Senglert – that’s kind of ironic, isn’t it. I guess what goes around comes around.
Not surprised – you really have some growing up to do.
Thanks for “schooling” me FYM78. Whadidwe ever do whidoutcha? lol
Growing old is mandatory and growing up is optional. For the record, I don’t plan to grow up. You might want to ask your friend WendJo (who you like patting on the back so much) where those words in my last post came from. She posted a sweet little diddy on another site ….
Geez, I have my very own stalker.
Look at me, Ma, I’ve made it to the big time, now!
Don’t flatter yourself. I wouldn’t waste my time. It’s not hard to see your rantings on the post register web site; however, now that they’re requiring people to use real names/cities, I doubt we’ll see much of you. You’re more into drive-by trolling.
Not Surprised; are you going to add anything of substance to this post or are you just going to continue bitching about everyone elses comments? I think we can all agree that you’ve made your point in your dislike for WendyJo. Can we move on now please?
You wouldn’t waste your time?¿?
At 2:34 am I mentioned that I subscribed to the PR.
You obviously surfed right over to that site and searched for something, anything you believed I’d posted that you could copy and paste to this site. Then you mentioned what you’d done hoping for accolades from other site members.
Yes, yours is a waste of time.
I’d like to ask that you please review the community guidlines and get the discussion back on topic.
Thank you.
So, the last few exchanges show the topic may have run it’s course.
So, the last few exchanges show the topic may have run it’s course. Anyone find that recipe for chicken marsala?
lol….good one Reader! I think we’re still looking for that recipe.
I’m sorry you’re having such a difficult time finding that recipe. (comment edited by moderator. Member asked to have their name removed from this comment. Please address members by their screen names only.) Seems it’s been months you’ve been looking, with no success. In the future, you might want to remember that google works well for finding recipes. Here’s a link to Emeril’s recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/chicken-marsala-recipe/index.html
I hope this helps!
Obviously you miss the point of the whole “chicken marsala recipe”. It originated last year when someone attempted to break up an argument, (much like the one you and WendyJo are in here) in an attempt to lighten the mood and get the discussion back on topic. Since then “chicken marsala” has been used as a figure of speech if you will in order to, as before, lighten the mood in the hopes of getting back on topic.
But thank you for the recipe and for explaining to me how Google works, I appreciate it.
I knew that, CR. And YOU missed the point entirely. Sigh.
Me thinks it’s time we change recipes CR. Hmmm, I’m quite the chocolate lover….. You?
Why does this person keep it up with the names? It’s plain weird.
So, I bet that’s some unemployment check Dean is getting now! Hope he’s able to move on to greener pastures soon for the sake of his family, but with the recent news about other newspapers folding, maybe it won’t be so easy. I’d love to see him go down to Pocatello and whip the Journal into shape. “Investigative” and “reporting” are sorely lacking down there. They need staff who will challenge situations and attempt to get to the bottom of stories.
Your welcome with the help on google. I know it’s a tough concept to grasp, for some.
I just hope the Post Register doesn’t go under for good. While I’m not a subscriber, I will sit down and read it every once in awhile. I can’t imagine our town being without a local newspaper. Hopefully with the cuts they have made, it will be enough to get them through this difficult time.
Dean is a great guy. Bad news isn’t always easy to hear and he taught me that. You may not like the truth, but it’s the truth none the less. Sometimes the search for the truth can be rigorous. When you are looking for what is black and what is white you have to read the tones of grey. I don’t give three shades of brown about who’s feelers got hurt over the whole Boyscout story line. I do however feel bad for the victims.
I can understand the fact that our small conservative community did not always like what was published in the paper. I have nothing but respect for that as a fact. I for one had a problem with a few stories, but the stories were none the less news worthy. I may not like what they had to say, but I never took it out on him. I find myself more mature about the standpoint and I get mad about WHY it happened.
If people are more concerned about how the boyscout story made their social circle (so to speak) look, and put that above the damage caused to the victims, then they are (in my opinion) putting themselves first and playing victims themselves. By doing so they are ignoring the people who were REALLY affected by the situation. I don’t really care (to be honest) about these social circles. If a group of people are going to worry about how this situation made their structure look first and foremost, then they are just seen as contemptible in my eyes.
If the Post let Miller go because they were worried about what direction he was taking the company, then that should say something about the company. The Post seems to be content in lying fallow now and going no where. Plothow does not have the testicular fortitude Dean possesses, and I believe it will show in the long run. Letting him go has cheated us all. They are a sinking ship and that being the case, Dean is lucky to be out of there. He is bigger than that place will let him be, and he is better off without them. I am mad about the Post letting him go, but I am happy for Dean.
The sheepeople of this community can be content with their sugar coated news, and live in a state of total equanimity. The Post is more than happy in “approving” bad news that is benevolently stated, as long as it keeps generating YOUR money.
I don’t buy TPR for a reason…I don’t know how to read.