• Reuters bullpenner Ty Trippet explains why the news service may have put the lives of 21 South Korean hostages at risk because of a faulty report. ABC, who "confirmed" the report independently, also finds itself backtracking. (Did we mention it was the competition – the Associated Press – that jumped on this story?) [AP]

• Having got a look at Portfolio, it's time for Fortune EIC Andy Serwer to gloat. Then again, it's Jon Friedman's who's suggesting he start gloating, so nevermind. [MW]

• New-ish Elle creative director Joe Zee's biggest problem so far hasn't been how to handle the Lindsay Lohan September issue while the starlet deals with her cocaine bust — but how to get Gilles Bensimon off the masthead once and for all. [NYT]

• In the Manhattan Media-owned New York Press, there won't be any more tranny hooker ads. But there will be a Brooklyn edition! [NYO]

• Dylan Stableford has an exciting skateboard project to work on, which is why he's leaving Mediabistro's FishbowlNY. Perhaps Laurel Touby didn't offer any bonuses? Neal Ungerleider and Ron Mwangaguhunga – both with last names we're not sure how to pronounce – are taking over. (Announce-y type emails after the jump.)

From Dylan:

From: Dylan Stableford
Date: Aug 2, 2007 11:42 AM
Subject: mediabistro.com ruined my sex life
To: XXX
Cc: XXX

* Actually, not at all. Just wanted to get y'all to read this. *

A month or so ago (i.e. before the phrase "twenty-three-million" became
synonymous with mediabistro) I was approached by my former company, Red 7
Media, with a great offer. I've decided to take it. I gave notice to Laurel
a couple weeks ago, but was under strict orders not to say anything until
after the sale/TVNewser party hangovers were sufficiently medicated.

I want you all to know that it was truly a tough decision because I love
working with everyone here, and I think it's an exciting time for mb. But
there's a lot of stuff I have been putting off — a music site that's gonna
put Billboard to shame, a book proposal about (my nemesis) John Cusack, a
non-profit skateboard project, etc. — and normal guy stuff (dog, mojitos,
uneven tan) which I really don't want to put off any longer. Moreover, I'm
really proud of what we've accomplished in the year-and-change I've been
here (more than doubled traffic across all of our blogs, broken some big
media stories, infuriated a CEO in his townhouse) and for the most part
accomplished what I had really set out to do: carve out a place for
mediabistro in the national media conversation. I can only imagine the
upward spiral's gonna continue.

I want to thank Laurel, Kyle, Omer — and Taffy, who let me teach humor
writing classes on little more than a hunch; Carmen thereafter — for giving
me the opportunity.

My last day in the office is Friday, but I am going to continue to work
closely with Chris, Rebecca, Noah and the bloggers in the short-term, and
will contribute to the site and blogs as (hopefully) a regular contributor.

You can always reach me at the following coordinates. Use them often:

Dylan Stableford
[XXXXX]

p.s. I would rather not accept parting gifts, but if you must, high-end
tequila never hurt anybody.

From Neal:

Dear friends and contacts,

I know how everyone hates these status update e-mails, so I'll keep it short and sweet.

As some of you may know, longtime FishbowlNY (http://mediabistro.com/fishbowlny) editor Dylan Stableford is stepping down at the end of the week to pursue an opportunity at Folio. I've been asked by Mediabistro to assume the post of co-editor at FishbowlNY along with the talented Ron Mwangaguhunga. I've decided to accept this opportunity and welcome this new challenge.

We'll be keeping the same quality you expect from the blog and adding even more good stuff. If you're a regular reader, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read us yet, well, you should.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions related to the FishbowlNY transition. I will still be continuing my work with MenuPages and can be contacted there as well.

I look forward to working at the best damn media blog around. Stop by sometime.

Best,
Neal Ungerleider
Co-editor, FishbowlNY