We all know him as the Enquirer’s City Hall beat reporter.  If you have ever sent him an email, you have noticed his characteristic signature:  “Korte.” � complete with the period for extra emphasis.  But who is Greg Korte?  What role does he play on the stage of Cincinnati media?

Whenever we decide to analyze a role, we should consider “costuming.” Not everyone utilizes costumes in their daily lives, but Greg Korte has made it a point to decorate himself in the fashion of an old-school reporter.  The only thing missing from his stock reporter’s hat is the oversized tag proclaiming “Press.” Otherwise the cartoon would be complete.  (For your viewing pleaseure, I present Gregory Korte in his hat as if the photograph were taken in the age Korte imitates.):

If Gregory Korte’s playacting stopped with a costume, perhaps we could stop our analysis now � but Korte knows how to make his exits and his entrances.  At today’s Mayoral Press Conference at City Hall, he was ten minutes late.

This might seem inconsequential at first, but the start of the conference was actually delayed while City Hall waited for Greg Korte to arrive.  This means that reporters for The Post, City Beat, and the local television stations (as well as Independent Eye staff) sat around, waiting for this character to arrive.

What kind of character is this Korte, that City Hall will pander to his presence?  Is he a superstar?

Now that the stage is set, we see Korte � in full early 20th century “reporter” costume � making his dramatic and late entrance at the conference.  What can we say of the performance that ensued?

Gregory Korte does not play well with others.

He sat in the back of the room, like a dejected high school student with no friends.  He did not socialize with other colleagues.  He just sat in the back of the room, doing his reporter gig with his reporter costume including his vintage reporter hat.

But press conferences should not be about Gregory Korte making a costumed entrance for himself.  I say that when something is scheduled to start at 2:00, it should start at 2:00.  If Korte misses something, he can learn about what happens when people are late.

The show does not revolve around him.  We should not treat him like a featured actor, remembering him instead for the two-bit hack that he is.

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