Cipriano v. Rosenthal: The Whole Sordid Affair
Ralph Cipriano's libel suit against his fomer boss, Philadelphia Inquirer editor Robert Rosenthal, stems from a long-running dispute over the paper's coverage of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. City Paper has been covering the matter since 1997.
Articles are listed chronologically, oldest to newest. Unless otherwise noted, all were written by senior writer Frank Lewis.
5.8.97: Holy Pressure
Archdiocese of Philadelphia leader Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua blasts the Inqurier and reporter Ralph Cipriano.
5.15.97: Arch Enemies?
Sources say the article that so enraged the Cardinal represented only a fraction of what Cipriano wanted to report.
6.11.98: Holy War: Sects, Lies and Video Conferencing
A cover story (5,400 words) on Cipriano's decision to sell a profile of Cardinal Bevilacqua to National Catholic Reporter,and comments from other Inquier soucres about the paper's apparent reluctance to report on the Archdiocese.
6.18.98: Bob and Weave
Inquirer editor Bob Rosenthal tells the Washington Post that when it came to the Archdiocese, Cipriano couldn't be trusted.
7.2.98: Rosie's Sacred Cow Pow-Wow
Rosenthal meets with reporters and editors to discuss Cipriano's claims.
8.13.98: Ralph Doesn't Work Here Anymore
Cipriano is suspended after filing a libel suit against Rosenthal, the Inquirer and owner Knight Ridder over Rosenthal over Rosenthal's comments in the Post.
8.20.98: End of Round One
Cipriano's attorney refuses to compy with the Inquirer's demand that the reporter turn over all of his notes. (Note: Article appears after one called "The Pipeline.")
8.27.98: Irreconcilable Differences
Cipriano is fired; Inquirer publisher Robert Hall denies rumors of Rosenthal's departure; source says the hunt is on for staff member who leaked an unpublished column about Cipriano's claims to City Paper.
9.10.98: Guild-y Conscience
Newspaprer Guild demands Cipriano's reinstatement; The New York Times covers the suit; Cipriano writes another article for National Catholic Reporter.
9.17.98: Ralph C: A Federal Case
Inquirer files motion to move the case to federal court; former Inquirer editor Max King supports Rosenthal's criticisms of Cipriano in a letter to the New York Times.
2.18.99: Fit to Print?
Inquirer internal newsletter's reference to possibility of printing the Archdiocese's weekly newspaper causes a stir in the newsroom.
3.18.99: Let the depositions begin
Federal judge rules that the case belongs in Common Pleas Court; NCR admits that it nominated Cipriano's article for a Pulitzer Prize.
4.15.99: The Gloves Are Off
The Inquirer response to Cipriano's suit elaborates on Rosenthal's contention that the reporter was ethically challenged.
6.17.99: The papal have spoken
Cipriano's NCR article wins a top prize from Catholic Press Association.
10.21.99: Sinking Ship
Once a Pulitzer-winning machine that dominated the region, the Inquirer today is losing readers faster than any major paper in the country. What went wrong? (Cover story; this article is not specifically about Cipriano, but includes some information about his case.)
12.30.99: Upside Down
For the Philadelphia media, 1999 was that kind of year. (Cover story; this article is not specifically about Cipriano, but includes some information about his case.)
3.16.00: Evasive Maneuvers
Cipriano's and PNI's attorneys battle over access to internal
Inquirer documents.
4.13.00: Cipriano 14, Inky 17
Judge grants Cipriano access to some of the contested materials.
1.05.01: Inky Ralphs Up Millions
Inquirer settles embarrassing libel suit brought by a former reporter.
1.11.01: So Sorry
Apparently a simple apology was too high a price to pay.
1.11.01: Pretzel Logic: Unsettling by Howard Altman
When the word began to spread about the Inky settling Ralph Cipriano’s libel suit, the jokes immediately started flying in this newsroom and, I am sure, in newsrooms across the country.
