Also this issue: Sam I Am Mayoral candidate Sam Katz purrs about Santorum, Dems who support him and begging for cash. Don't Tread on Me Ain’t no black folks buried under here, but you whites better watch out anyway. -Deborah Bolling Trainsuing -Deborah Bolling Gorilla Thrilla (And Beanie Sigel Too) -Brendan McGarvey I'm My Own Man -Mary F. Patel The Bell Curve City Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life

July 10-16, 2003

city beat

Byko Bye Bye?

Philly’s gossip king seeks new dominion.

by Deborah Bolling

Stu Bykofsky can’t believe that he’s been a gossip columnist at the Philadelphia Daily News for 16 years. In fact, Byko -- as he’s known to readers -- says he’s written enough gossip to last a lifetime and now he wants to do something else.

Four days a week, Byko offers a column jam-packed with items that chronicle the goings-on of some of Philly's most high-profile citizens. It's a must-read for nearly everyone who picks up the paper. But if Byko could have his druthers, he says he'd rather write a column about one single thing just two days a week.

"Never in my life did I dream of becoming a gossip columnist at a tabloid in Philadelphia," says Byko, a New York City native, now at the paper for 31 years. "I always wanted to do something with more substance."

About two and a half years ago, Dan Gross started helping Byko with his column, often handling drudge jobs, like fact-checking stories or making sure names were spelled correctly. Seven months ago, Gross started getting more credit for his efforts when his name began showing up at the end of the piece. In June, Gross' byline appeared alongside Byko's at the top of the column, shaded gray. Byko believes that if there were a qualified successor for his position, he could move on. Gross says he would love the opportunity. But DN Editor Zack Stalberg says not so fast.

"Stu's been itching to get off that column for a long time," Stalberg says. "He's a pain in the ass -- that's what he is," he adds affectionately.

Stalberg says that he's aware of Byko's desires, but there is no timetable in place for Byko's wish to be granted.

"Dan is doing a good job," Stalberg says. "But it remains to be seen if he's the right guy for the long term. He's a good candidate, but he's kinda young. I think he needs more mentoring." Gross is 24.

"Dan is a junior partner and that's how things stand," Byko admits. "But my goal is to get out of this column in calendar year 2003. For the last 16 years, what has carried me was the reporting, digging up the facts. In my next reincarnation, I'd like the strength of my column to be that I'm a really good writer. I've already been recognized as a reporter. I'm looking forward to a change of venue here at the paper -- but I'd still be a columnist. I think I can trust Zack. His heart is in the right place."

Gross says he enjoys his gossip gig and that working with Byko is great.

"I like doing item-y stuff," he says. "I know it's not the same as breaking news about a murder or something like that. But we write stories that do interest people -- even if they're not particularly earthshattering. If the job were offered to me, I'd certainly be interested in it."

Byko says that during his three-decade tenure, his best memories are from the two-and-half-year period when he was a general assignment features reporter. During that time, he wrote about a wide range of subjects under less stressful deadlines, held office at the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia, was secretary of the Pen & Pencil Club (the country's oldest private club for journalists) and taught at Temple University. When he started the Byko column, he says all of that changed.

"I used to have a life," he laments. "I knew that once I started the column, it would take up all my time. It requires long hours and long days. Nearly everyone in this newsroom knows I want to move on, but not one person has said they're interested in this job -- except Dan."

"You can understand my reluctance to let Stu go," Stalberg says. "He's a big part of the Daily News brand and he does his job particularly well. He's got a rare skill. I once wrote a column saying that his is the toughest job in town -- 'cause it is."

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