Drunk Journalist Resigns in Video
British Reporter Adam Smith Quits Job in Drunken YouTube Outburst
Nov 6, 2008
Adam Smith admitted to being "just a little bit pissed" before telling his Birmingham Mail bosses that he was resigning from his position to set up his own magazine. During the sensational four-minute video, the British journalist is found sitting on a bench filing copy from the Barack Obama election victory for his readers back home. Visibly drunk, he slurs: "thank god for the BBC cos I'm cutting and paste it all baby"
Having volunteered to visit America to report on the election for his newspaper, Smith tells the camera about the delights of Miami, his destination of choice for parties and the local female population. He reveals that he decided against going to swing state Ohio because "I can't even say it." He then goes on to explain that he is attempting to file copy for his readers in Birmingham.
Adam Smith resigns
Finally he swears at the camera and says: "My name is Adam Smith...who has just resigned from the Birmingham Mail, The Birmingham Post and the Birmingham Sunday Mercury to set up my own magazine...I'm doing what I want to."
In a further video posted the day after the night before Smith admits that he was "a little surprised" to find that he had resigned over the video sharing network, but fought back against claims that he had plagiarised BBC news. When asked if he still had his job, Smith replied: "No...basically I'm too scared to talk to work" He also revealed that he, along with 65 colleagues were to be made redundant in a week anyway, due to Trinity Mirror overhauling its Midlands publishing operation.
It appears that the Birmingham Mail had originally published Adam Smith's copy, but it has since been taken down. They have yet to comment on the incident.
Smith: "I am in trouble"
In a comment made by "Steve Zacharanda" - a name by which Adam also refers to himself during the video, he writes:
"Right, the thing is, right I've just woke up.."
And seen this video, which I don't really remember. I've been told to phone the Birmingham Mail because I am in trouble.
I was off duty, I am on official holiday working at the South Beach Miami Barack Obama campaign where I had just done a 18 hour shift trying to make the world a better place.
Please check every BBC News Outlet and see if I have cut and pasted anything. I have not, it was a joke and should be taken in the spirit it was said."
The Birmingham Mail journalist must regret his decision to abusively resign while under the influence over YouTube. It remains to be seen what action the newspaper will take.
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