Some of us around the DB HQs are very much into this Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch story. Unfortunately, we melt when it rains (and don't do mid-town), and were therefore unable to stake out yesterday's meeting at the Wachtell offices. So we sent Intern Scott. His (wet) report here, his pictures after the lovely lady jump (let that one go).
By popular demand, I present to you my first entry for DB [small bow and preparation for disappointment]. Yesterday, Carney sent me to hang around outside the Wachtell offices in midtown to wait for Elvis Rupert Murdoch to leave the building. Our boy Rupes spent five hours in discussions with the Bancroft family, presumably in conference room 33F, notable for many famous transactions. I arrived at 52nd Street and 6th Avenue at the CBS building, where I met many of my “peers” — photographers, camera crews, bearded weirdos, and reporters. The media (and Carney because he’s part of the media circus) loved this story. So I waited for a bit and talked to some of the people in awkward footwear, learning that some of the more dedicated crews had been on-site since 10am. Most of them had a second crew waiting on 53rd Street to make sure to cover their bases, but here at DealBreaker we like to take our chances (but always get it right, of course).
Now, those of you familiar with 51 West 52nd Street know that there are two entrances, one on the north side and one on the south. Rupes entered on 53rd street covered by umbrellas around 1pm, but I had to gamble on from which door he would emerge. I checked out the scene on 53rd street, and decided to take my chances on 52nd, where I waited. Around 5:05pm everyone picked up their equipment and made for the door, but it was just some other old dude (they all look the same), not our boy. Finally, at 5:35pm, Rupey and a bunch of suits came out of the elevators and lingered near the elevator banks inside. He slowly made his way towards the 52nd street door (imagine my glee), as the assembled paparazzi outside got ready. He emerged, Burberry rain coat in hand, and was instantly hounded by reporters from CNBC and Bloomberg, as well as dozens of flashing cameras (including my own). You can see some of the shots I was able to take before he hopped in a black Escalade (too good for a Town Car but apparently not good enough for the many Maybachs that I saw hanging around) waiting on the corner and sped off under gray skies.
Quite an afternoon.
--Scott Bressler
Posted by Chris, Jun 05, 2007 4:27PM
Living the dream! A good start.