Gersh Kuntzman

Who is Gersh Kuntzman?

Gersh Kuntzman is a New York City-based journalist. Previously, he worked for the New York Post, writing the column, "MetroGnome," which ran from 1994-2004. He also had a weekly column for Newsweek online that ran from Jan. 2001-July 2005. Kuntzman authored HAIR! Mankind's Historic Quest to End Baldness and "Chrismukkah: The Official Guide to the World's Best-Loved Holiday", and is a frequent contributor to national magazines. He also co-wrote the critically acclaimed off-broadway play "SUV: The Musical" with songwriter Marc Dinkin, which was featured at the New York City Fringe Festival 2005. The next year he satirized the newspaper industry with another musical, "Stop the Presses." At the Post, he worked with Allen Salkin.

Kuntzman is often said to be notable only for his coverage of the July 4 hot dog-eating contest at Coney Island, which is sponsored by Nathan's. But he has done more than that.

In 2005, Kuntzman became editor of The Brooklyn Paper, a group of community newspapers covering Kings County. During his tenure, he won awards for Editor of the Year and Columnist of the Year from the Suburban Newspapers of America.