Final Word from Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Less than a month after Pavel Šafr raised a minor ruckus by telling Respekt that Sabina Slonková had been in the pocket of Andrej Babiš for more than a decade, Slonková was unceremoniously "resigned" yesterday as editor-in-chief of MFD. Her sudden departure, after just six months on the job, raised speculation about the real reasons, but few asked the obvious question: Was she any good at her work? Even more so than in other markets, there is a strong belief in Czech journalism that an investigative reporter with Deep Throat contacts necessarily knows how to write; that a writer knows how to be an editor; that an editor knows how to be an editor-in-chief; and that an editor-in-chief knows how to be a publisher. Often, though, the Peter Principle is in play, and the journalist advances to the level of his or her incompetence. We've heard all kinds of stories about Slonková's axing, but we have only one steadfast belief: After the way Slonková and MFD helped prepare the groundwork for Babiš's hostile takeover of ČEZ, she deserved better treatment. [Czech Republic MF Dnes Mafra Reflex]
Glossary of difficult words
to deserve better (from someone) - to merit better treatment from someone;
ruckus - a disturbance or commotion;
to be "resigned" - (in this context) to resign under pressure;
to ax/axe someone - to fire or dismiss someone;
steadfast - resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering;
groundwork - preliminary or basic work.