Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club
Monday, December 31, 2007
Have a Wonderful 2008 Everyone!
Hey Ed, do you really love "DEVO"? We want to see you with one of those flower pot hats!!
Hey Ed, do you really love "DEVO"? We want to see you with one of those flower pot hats!!
posted by Speedcat Hollydale |
¶ 10:38 PM 3 Comments
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone! God bless you and your families. I hope 2008 brings much happiness, success and love to all.
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families.
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families.
posted by Jade |
¶ 8:26 PM 1 Comments
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20 Things About Ed
Kate Coe of Fishbowl LA recently asked Ed Padgett 20 questions.
Amongst them:
Amongst them:
18. What's your theme song?
Whip It, by Devo
posted by Kanani |
¶ 7:39 PM 5 Comments
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Life at newspaper leaves pressmen with decades of stories
By Angela Carella
Assistant City Editor
Published December 31 2007
STAMFORD - Like many newspaper pressmen, 85-year-old Canio Pace has ink in his blood.
And blood in the press.
Printing newspapers can be dangerous - a slip, a moment of inattention, and a hand is snared in the heavy, rolling cylinders.
"You have to get initiated in the pressroom. How you do that is you get a finger caught in the press," Pace said, showing a middle digit held together by a metal pin.
Mike Smith lost two fingertips to the press when he was a young man. His hand got caught in a folding cylinder.
"There's a knife in there that cuts the paper; it took my fingers," Smith said. "That is my newspaper legacy."
Warren Eaton said keeping fingers is a family tradition. He is a fourth-generation pressman.
"I have all my fingers. My father had all his fingers; my grandfather, too," Eaton said. "Great-grandpa, I don't know about."
John DeSousa has all his fingers - his problem is keeping them clean.
"You get all kinds of ink on you," DeSousa said. "If you're going out to dinner after work, you got to scrub. I use bleach."
Pace, Smith, Eaton, DeSousa and other pressmen at The Advocate and Greenwich Time have spent most of their lives printing newspapers in the noisy pressroom, working nights, weekends and holidays, ink on their skin and uniforms.
They adjust the amounts of ink - black, blue, red and yellow - making sure the plates on the press are lined up one on top of the other, so the colors are where they're supposed to be. As the press rolls, they adjust the colors - not too much red or blue, just the right amounts of yellow and black.
They load the 1,600-pound rolls of newsprint on the press, using dollies on tracks one floor below. They make sure there is enough tension on the paper so it weaves through the press smoothly at high speed, but not so much that the web of paper breaks. They look for holes in the web, which can cause a break.
But now the 15 press operators and two supervisors are out of work. After 178 years with a press in Stamford, The Advocate will be printed at the News-Times in Danbury and Greenwich Time at the Connecticut Post in Bridgeport.
The Advocate, Greenwich Time, News-Times and Post - and six weeklies in Fairfield County - now are owned or operated by MediaNews Group Inc. of Denver.
The Hearst Corp. bought The Advocate and Greenwich Time from Tribune Co. for $62.4 million in a deal that closed Nov. 1. MediaNews has an agreement with Hearst to operate some of its newspapers.
Because Tribune will sell the Tresser Boulevard building in Stamford and the East Elm Street building in Greenwich separately, The Advocate and Greenwich Time no longer have a press.
For Pace, it is the end of a long love affair with the printing press. It began when he was walking home from school at 16, and stopped to look in the window of City News, then a printing plant in Stamford.
"I watched the paper running through the press. It was fantastic," Pace said. "A guy came out and said to me, 'Kid, you want a job?' "
It was 1937. There was no television. Some people didn't have radios. They learned about the world from newspapers.
To jump to entire article click here.
Hat Tip Margit Rubens
By Angela Carella
Assistant City Editor
Published December 31 2007
STAMFORD - Like many newspaper pressmen, 85-year-old Canio Pace has ink in his blood.
And blood in the press.
Printing newspapers can be dangerous - a slip, a moment of inattention, and a hand is snared in the heavy, rolling cylinders.
"You have to get initiated in the pressroom. How you do that is you get a finger caught in the press," Pace said, showing a middle digit held together by a metal pin.
Mike Smith lost two fingertips to the press when he was a young man. His hand got caught in a folding cylinder.
"There's a knife in there that cuts the paper; it took my fingers," Smith said. "That is my newspaper legacy."
Warren Eaton said keeping fingers is a family tradition. He is a fourth-generation pressman.
"I have all my fingers. My father had all his fingers; my grandfather, too," Eaton said. "Great-grandpa, I don't know about."
John DeSousa has all his fingers - his problem is keeping them clean.
"You get all kinds of ink on you," DeSousa said. "If you're going out to dinner after work, you got to scrub. I use bleach."
Pace, Smith, Eaton, DeSousa and other pressmen at The Advocate and Greenwich Time have spent most of their lives printing newspapers in the noisy pressroom, working nights, weekends and holidays, ink on their skin and uniforms.
They adjust the amounts of ink - black, blue, red and yellow - making sure the plates on the press are lined up one on top of the other, so the colors are where they're supposed to be. As the press rolls, they adjust the colors - not too much red or blue, just the right amounts of yellow and black.
They load the 1,600-pound rolls of newsprint on the press, using dollies on tracks one floor below. They make sure there is enough tension on the paper so it weaves through the press smoothly at high speed, but not so much that the web of paper breaks. They look for holes in the web, which can cause a break.
But now the 15 press operators and two supervisors are out of work. After 178 years with a press in Stamford, The Advocate will be printed at the News-Times in Danbury and Greenwich Time at the Connecticut Post in Bridgeport.
The Advocate, Greenwich Time, News-Times and Post - and six weeklies in Fairfield County - now are owned or operated by MediaNews Group Inc. of Denver.
The Hearst Corp. bought The Advocate and Greenwich Time from Tribune Co. for $62.4 million in a deal that closed Nov. 1. MediaNews has an agreement with Hearst to operate some of its newspapers.
Because Tribune will sell the Tresser Boulevard building in Stamford and the East Elm Street building in Greenwich separately, The Advocate and Greenwich Time no longer have a press.
For Pace, it is the end of a long love affair with the printing press. It began when he was walking home from school at 16, and stopped to look in the window of City News, then a printing plant in Stamford.
"I watched the paper running through the press. It was fantastic," Pace said. "A guy came out and said to me, 'Kid, you want a job?' "
It was 1937. There was no television. Some people didn't have radios. They learned about the world from newspapers.
To jump to entire article click here.
Hat Tip Margit Rubens
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:03 AM 1 Comments
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Electronic Village: Missing: Chioma Gray
Chioma Gray is a 15-year old girl abducted from her hometown of Oxnard, CA. She is not blue-eyed and blonde ... so the mainstream media hasn't told you about her story yet. It is up to us to beat the drums on blogs like Black and Missing But Not Forgotten or Wichita NAACP to get her story out. We ask all Villagers to be vigilant in looking after their own children ... and keeping an eye out for Chioma as well.
Electronic Village: Missing: Chioma Gray
Electronic Village: Missing: Chioma Gray
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:14 PM 2 Comments
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Save Our Trade: January Meetings with GCC/IBT Representative Mike Huggins
By Ronnie Pineta
Negotiations were scheduled for January 9th and 10th. The company cancelled the session scheduled for the 10th, so we are going to use this time and opportunity to introduce our GCC/IBT Rep. Mike Huggins to our bargaining unit employees.
We will be holding meetings in both Los Angeles and Orange County.
We will meet in Los Angeles on Thursday January 10th at 11:00am at Shakey's Pizza. This location is just minutes north of the Oly Plant and frwy convenient.
On January 11th we will be meeting in Orange County at the usual spot, Round Table Pizza on Euclid and Warner in Fountain Valley. Be sure to attend one of these meetings to meet Mike and get informed. Bring your questions as well as a guest.
Maps to both locations can be viewed by jumping to Save Our Trade Blog.
January Meetings with GCC/IBT Representative Mike Huggins
By Ronnie Pineta
Negotiations were scheduled for January 9th and 10th. The company cancelled the session scheduled for the 10th, so we are going to use this time and opportunity to introduce our GCC/IBT Rep. Mike Huggins to our bargaining unit employees.
We will be holding meetings in both Los Angeles and Orange County.
We will meet in Los Angeles on Thursday January 10th at 11:00am at Shakey's Pizza. This location is just minutes north of the Oly Plant and frwy convenient.
On January 11th we will be meeting in Orange County at the usual spot, Round Table Pizza on Euclid and Warner in Fountain Valley. Be sure to attend one of these meetings to meet Mike and get informed. Bring your questions as well as a guest.
Maps to both locations can be viewed by jumping to Save Our Trade Blog.
January Meetings with GCC/IBT Representative Mike Huggins
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:38 AM 0 Comments
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tumultuous Year for Tribune Company Employees
May: 2007
Tribune Company Employees, or my family for that matter, will not soon forget 2007; it was a year of negative events and news. Below is a brief overview, with links back to each article, of the events reported on this blog for 2007.
January: 2007
- David Hiller video regarding unionism at the Newspaper
- David Hiller's Response to George Tedeschi Debate Request
- The anti-union banners inside the Los Angeles Times
- The Future of Tribune Company from Dennis FitzSimons
- Los Angeles Times Union Election
- Union Victory at the Los Angeles Times
- Los Angeles Times Union Election in the News
- David Hiller on Greater Web Presence
- Information From A Union Pressman
- LAT Computer Help Desk Outsourced
- Colleague Raquel Alvarez Cendejas Passing
- Union Election Challenged at LAT
- Three Bids for Tribune Company
- Woman jumped from Times garage
- Nothing Decided in Chicago Today
- Tribune Sale Pending
- David Hiller Taking the Times Where it Belongs
- MySpace, Oops I Mean MyLATimes
- The Passing of Our Friend Jose Calzadilla
- Union Election Challenged
- vBulletin Created for our Blog
- James O'Shea's address to Times staff
- Left in the Dark at Work
- ONLINE NEWSPAPER BLOG TRAFFIC GROWS 210 PERCENT
- Chandler Buyout Offer Expires Today
- National Labor Relations Board Hearing
- The Eagle Has Landed!
February: 2007
- Pressroom Seniority or Company Seniority
- Advertisements on the Front Pages of Newspapers
- Nominations for the Union Negotiating Team
- LATimes Online Changes
- Internet 101 at the Los Angeles Times
- New Los Angeles Times Blog - Homicide
- Tribune Fourth-Quarter Profit Soars 81 Percent to $239.1M
- Tribune 2006 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
- Tribune Likely Won't Face a Proxy Battle
- Dennis FitzSimons Update to Tribune Employees
- Tribune Board of Directors Meeting
- Subscribe to the Los Angeles Times
- Los Angeles Times versus Teamsters
- New Blog at the LA Times - Borderline
- Pressmen's Dinner Date and Location
- Video Blogger in the House - Jacob Soboroff
- Media Bistro Blogger Party
- Dean Baquet Keeps Firing At Tribune Co.
- Tina Kim to Appear at Our Dinner
- Election Hearing Update 02.17.07
- Trickle Down Theory History at Tribune
- Olympic Mailroom on Frontline
- Olympic Pressroom on Native Intelligence
- Editorial Department Downsizing at LAT
- LA Times Launches Fully Integrated Travel Redesign
- Revenues Down 5.0% in January for Tribune
- Tribune likely to try 'self-help' plan
- Blogging 101 for LAT Staff
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan at Tribune
- Tribune Considers Offer From Real Estate Magnate
- Will The Grave Dancer Dance On The LA Times' Grave?
- Otis Chandler - The Man the Publisher
- The Good Old Days Are Gone
- Cost Cutting Measures at Olympic
- James Young Retires From Pressroom
- The SpinOff Has Started at Tribune
- Mark Kurtich on LAT Subscriptions
- Media Bistro Blogger Party
- Sam Zell Could Well Be Better Than FitzSimons
- MediaNews nixes contract in Santa Cruz
- A Message From Jack
- Election of Bargaining Team
- Mike Rowe's Dirty Job
- Los Angeles Times Launches IMAGE
- NLRB REPORT ON OBJECTIONS
- Tribune Stock Falling Falling Falling
- Brian Grazer To Inaugurate Guest Editor Program
- Election to Stand at Los Angeles Times
- Tribune Revenues Down 3.4% in February
- Andres Martinez has resigned in the wake of "Grazergate."
- Statement from the Publisher on Grazergate
- Message From James O'Shea Editor LAT
- Tribune Gate
- Passing of Robert Roderick
- Pressmen's Dinner a Hit
April: 2007
- Sam Zell Gets The Tribune Company
- Editor removed over 'I Hate Blacks' column
- Hiller acknowledges LAT job cuts coming
- Hearst considering 'paperless' newspaper
- Spector page is live, a preview of where we're headed
- Message Dennis FitzSimons CEO Tribune
- Message from Russ Newton - V.P. Production
- Russ Newton Promoted to Senior V.P.
- Mark Kurtich Leaving Los Angeles Times
- Zell Bluntly Says L.A. Times Will Not Be Sold
- The Pulitzer Prizes
- 33 dead in Virginia Tech shootings
- Chronicle's front page shocker -- an ad
- Tribune Reports 2007 First Quarter Results
- Buyouts Coming to a Newspaper Near You
- Tribune Employee Website Updated
- LAT Buyout Offer to be Announced Monday
- L.A. Times Staff To Be Cut 5%, A New Disgrace
- David Hiller on Employee Voluntary Separation Program
- Buy-Outs/Layoffs in the GCC/IBT Represented Pressrooms?
- New Los Angeles Times Blogs
- Hiller And O'Shea Give LAT Staff Pure Drivel
- The Apprentice at the Los Angeles Times
- Mike Penner, Shocked Many Readers
- New Los Angeles Times Blog by Christine Daniels
- Festival of Books Weekend
- New presses ordered for Chronicle
- David Hiller on March Circulation Results
May: 2007
- LAT Paid Circulation Stabilizes, But New Cutbacks
- Aramark Taking Buyout at Los Angeles Times
- Tribune petitions FCC for Ownership Waivers
- LA Times Refuses to Hyperlink from Articles
- Top Ten Blogs at the Los Angeles Times
- Los Angeles Times Celebrates Biggest Festival of Books
- Aramark vs CulinArt
- Save Our Trade: What's going on?
- Griffith Park Fire Videos
- TRIBUNE ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN CHICAGO
- Teamster's GCC to be Certified at Los Angeles Times
- New Los Angeles Times Blogs
- Reporting jobs outsourced to India
- Los Angeles Times Blogosphere
- A fond farewell to the Tribune Tower
- What Are The Objections Regarding the Union Election?
- L.A. Times Has Grown Uneven; Buyouts Are Hurting
- Pressman (Jose Gomez) Injuried in Accident
- Guild at The Baltimore Sun launches SaveYourSun.org
- The Passing of Another Pressman - Richard Meinhardt
- Save Our Trade: Fools Rush In
- Services in memory of Frances C Hathaway
- Buyouts at a Newspaper Near You
- Al Martinez Forced Out at Los Angeles Times
- Al Martinez Forced To Retire By Jackass Tribune Co.
- The Writerly Pause Visit Al Martinez
- Prayer Request for Former Pressman John Bragg
- Tribune Announces Preliminary Results of Tender Offer
- Kanani: Callous Treatment of a Fifty Year Journalist
- Sam Zell is acquiring Tribune Company
- Welcome our new vendor, CulinArt, effective June 4, 2007
- O'Shea Fails To Promise No More Buyouts
- LAT Employees Taking the Buyout
- David Hiller on Times Change - What's Next
- Here is Al Martinez's final column
- Tribune Announces Offer of Settlement in Matthew Bender Tax Case
- FitzSimons, Hiller: From One Stupidity To Another
- The Day After at the Los Angeles Times
- Dennis FitzSimons on Recent Developments
- Tribune Executives Make a Bundle
- CulinArt Takes Over the Times Cafeterias
- FitzSimons Gets Rich, While LAT Staff Suffers
- Many out of work while a select few collect millions
- West Magazine Victim Of Slashers At Tribune Co.
- Woody J. from L.A.- Get Well Soon
- Examiner will launch in Los Angeles
- New Cafeteria at Olympic
- Billy Roundtree Promoted to Pressroom Supervisor
- What's the Truth Regarding Matt Welch?
- Save Our Trade: N.L.R.B. Decision
- Newspapers Reducing Size
- Producing the Los Angeles Times Video
- Tribune Revenues Down 11.1% in May
- Does Sam Zell Have Any (Good) Ideas On Future?
- Chatsworth Employees Reunion
- Mary Emma Esplin Funeral
- Managing Editor, Doug Frantz has decided to leave the LAT
- Renaming the Tribune Company
- L.A. Times Editor Typically In Chicago For 6 Days
Continued on next post.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:10 AM 0 Comments
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Tumultuous Year for Tribune Company Employees Part II
July: 2007
July: 2007
- Retired Pressman Harvey Tallmon in Recovery from Stroke
- Operations Employees Forgotten at The Los Angeles Times
- Tribune Announces Special Shareholder Meeting
- The Return of Al Martinez to the Los Angeles Times
- Los Angeles Times Credit Union Purged by Tribune Co.
- Tribune Employees: It's Time to Take Ownership
- Are We in a Recession?
- Workers at the LAT Bucked the Paper's Legacy and Organized
- Mid-year business update - David Hiller
- New Los Angeles Times Blog - Daily Dish
- Conversation Between Hiller And O'Shea, (Satire)
- Message from Scott Smith - Trb Pub President
- Newspapers Accepting Ad's on Front Pages
- Tribune Deal Faltering
- Will Tribune Become Another Carter-Hawley-Hale?
- Tribune Sinking - Will the Captain go down with the Ship?
- Save Our Trade: Teamsters Shop Steward Training
- Tribune Sets New Fifty-two Week Low
- Bob Bagwell to Celebrate 60 Years with the Los Angeles Times
- Goldstein's Article Dropped for Being Innovative
- Wayne Beane Retiring this Friday from Olympic
- The Hazards of Outsourcing at the Newspaper
- Suggestion Box on TimesLink
- Operations Employees at the Los Angeles Times
August: 2007
- Car Fifty-Four Where Are YOU?
- Save Our Trade: Know Your Rights!
- A Parents Worst NIGHTMARE! - Bryan Padgett Killed
- Our Interview with Linda Alvarez
- One Door Closes, and Another Door Opens
- Sam Zell To Speak At LAT In Period Of Crisis
- Consequences of Street Racing
- Will the Tribune Sale be Completed?
- The Anti-Social Ice Cream Gathering Sunday
- Tribune Employees Financial Protection Committee Newsletter
- Zell Vowed To Times Managers, Deal Remains On
- Los Angeles Times Managers Have a visit from Sam Zell
- Tribune Revenues Down 5.9% in July
- Eye Level Pasadena Blogger Picnic
- Another Young Person Killed While Street Racing
- The Missing Sam Zell Video
- KTLA Channel 5 building in Hollywood for Sale
- The Jena Six Video
September: 2007
- Al Martinez Endures Watching Naked Bodies For Us
- Funny Los Angeles Times Ad
- JUSTICE FOR THE "JENA 6" - TAKE ACTION NOW!!!
- Managing Editor Janet Clayton Gives up on Tribune
- Los Gatos News prints last edition
- Leo Wolinsky Named Associate Editor of the Los Angeles Times
- Reading by Nine Volunteer's Wanted
- September 11, 2001
- Kat Von D and Bryan Padgett
- Tribune Company Dependent Verification
- David Lauter will become the California editor
- Farley creator Phil Frank dies
- Our Next Dinner Date
- NYT Internet To Be Free To Everyone
- Bob Valenzuela Should Lead Security at LAT
- Save Our Trade: Where are we now?
- Los Angeles Times Blooper of the Day
- Tribune Revenues Down 5.2% in August
- Los Angeles Times Pressmen Wearing Black
- NYT Admits It Gave MoveOn.org Special Price
- Move Away from Move On!
- Family Friendly Tribune Threatens Employees Dependents
- Calming Los Angeles Times Employees Down
- The Status of the Los Angeles Times Pressroom
- Johnny Walkers treatment of pressroom employees
- Disquieting Comments By Hiller To "Old Farts"
- Alison Stromile Passing
- Fundraiser for the National Military Family Association
- Thank You Michelle Malkin
October: 2007
- Yolanda Malone Blogs About Her Son Jamal
- Reinvent committee report on ways to improve the LAT
- Clarence Darrow and the Bombing of the L.A. Times
- MUZZLED BY MOVEON - New York Post
- Calling in Sick at the Los Angeles Times
- R.I.P. -- Remembering the daily Valley Edition
- Move On's Strong Arm Ignored By The Media
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune Production Outsourced
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune to Cease Operation Nov. 5TH
- Sam Zell: No plans to sell LA Times
- David Hiller Now a Blogger Newbie
- Google Bans Anti-MoveOn Ads
- No Left Turns --a great story by a newspaper man
- Smoking Surcharge Is New Low For Tribune Co.
- 700 Tribune Dependants Lost Health Care
- Illegal Street Racers Kill 5 in the Southland
- NLRA Violations and Workplace Rights
- Rehabilitation Program for Tribune Employees
- FCC review process
- NLRB Notice to Los Angeles Times
- Outstanding Fire Coverage - OShea memo
- Colleagues Impacted by Fires
- Tribune Reports 2007 Third Quarter Results
- Tribune to Sell Southern Connecticut Newspapers
- David Hiller and LAT Fire Fund
- Kevin Sites Reports on Jill Leovy
- Save Our Trade: Local 404 Meeting November 4th
- Passing of Pressroom Colleagues
- Former LAT Composing Room Employees
November: 2007
- Union Negotiations Begin at the Los Angeles Times
- Save Our Trade: Negotiations, Day 1
- Police Force Pregnant Woman at Gunpoint to Side of Freeway
- Los Angeles Times Axed Employee Recognition Dinner
- David Hiller on Circulation
- In Memory of Martha Hernandez
- Al Martinez Interview of Alzheimer's Victim Superb
- The Passing of Becky Shea
- LATimes.com Transformation
- Meredith Artley Executive Editor Los Angeles Times
- Message from Russ Newton SVP Production
- Scenes from Veteran's Day in Fullerton
- Los Angeles Times Masthead Grows by Two
- Tribune Properties Being Sold Off
- David Hiller Blogs on Times Building Sale
- Rest in Peace Gilbert McMurray
- Labor Negotiations at the Los Angeles Times
- Los Angeles Times Pressmen Dinner
- Tribune Revenues Down 9.3% in October
- LAT Readers' Representative Journal
- Sick Days, Use Them or Lose Them
- FCC Proposes 2-Year Exemption for Tribune
- Cancer and Working the Graveyard Shift
- Tribune Granted Regulatory Approvals By FCC
December: 2007
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:09 AM 1 Comments
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Friday, December 28, 2007
End of the Week News Links
David Martinez, Monica Hayes, and Woody Johnson
- Your US Senate at “work” - Michelle Malkin
- Los Angeles Times in 90 Seconds - Mayrav Saar
- Los Angeles PD Steps up DUI Enforcement - LAPD Blog
- Another Mayor Sam Party, and You're Invited - Mayor Sam
- NFL caves to Congress on Patriots-Giants game - Market Watch
- Writers Threaten Mass Picket of Golden Globes - New York Times
- Why Newsday.com Had a Very Good Month - New York Observer
- Subprime crisis hits US newspapers’ revenues - Newsletter 9-7-07
- Slower, but Steady Hiring Expected for the New Year. - Education Trends
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:53 AM 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tribune Company Assets
SUMMARY OF WHAT THEY OWN:
23 TV stations--Major carrier of the CW Network, which is owned by CBS and Time-Warner
1 radio station in Chicago
13 daily newspapers mostly in big markets
1 nationwide cable channel-WGN
According to wikipedia:
The Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB) is a large American multimedia corporation based in Chicago, Illinois. It is the nation's second-largest newspaper publisher, responsible for the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Hartford Courant, and the Baltimore Sun, among others. Through other subsidiaries, the Tribune Company also owns Tribune Broadcasting, Tribune Entertainment, Tribune Media Services, and the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
On April 2, 2007, Chicago-based investor Sam Zell announced plans to buy out the media company for $34.00 a share, totalling $8.2 billion. Zell will also turn the company private. The deal is expected to be completed some time in the fourth quarter of 2007[1], and was approved by 97% of the Company's shareholders on August 21, 2007[2]. Upon completion of the transaction, Tribune will divest itself of the Chicago Cubs and its 25 percent interest in Comcast SportsNet Chicago, and possibly Wrigley Field.
The deal was approved by 97% of the Company's shareholders on August 21, 2007.[1] Privatization of the Tribune Company occurred on December 20, 2007 with termination of trading in Tribune stock at the close of the market.[2]
On 21 December 2007, Tribune and Local TV announced plans to collaborate in the formation of an as yet unnamed "broadcast management company".[3]
Television:
CW Stations:
- WPIX 11 - New York
- KTLA 5 - Los Angeles
- WGN 9 - Chicago (Tribune's flagship TV station)
- KDAF 33 - Dallas
- WDCW 50 - Washington
- KHCW 39 - Houston
- WSFL 39 - Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
- KWGN 2 - Denver
- WTTV 4 - Bloomington/Indianapolis
- KSWB 69 - San Diego
- WTXX 20 - Waterbury/Hartford/New Haven
- WNOL 38 - New Orleans
- KPLR 11 - St. Louis
- KRCW 32 - Portland, OR
Fox Stations:
- KCPQ 13 - Tacoma/Seattle
- KTXL 40 - Sacramento
- WXIN 59 - Indianapolis
- WTIC 61 - Hartford/New Haven
- WXMI 17 - Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo, MI
- WPMT 43 - York/Harrisburg, PA
ABC Station:
- WGNO 26 - New Orleans
MyNetworkTV Stations:
- WPHL 17 - Philadelphia
- KMYQ 22 - Tacoma/Seattle
Other TV Assets:
- Tribune Entertainment
- Andromeda
- Mutant X
- BeastMaster
- Family Feud
- South Park
- Soul Train
- Candid Camera
- Ron Hazelton: House Calls
- Pet Keeping City Guys
- Earth: Final Conflict
Cable Channels:
- Superstation WGN
- Chicagoland's Television
- Tribune Broadcasting
- Once owned 1/3rd of the Food Network, but it’s now owned by Scripps co.
- Radio WGN (AM) – Chicago
Newspapers:
- Newsday (Long Island, NY)
- Los Angeles Times
- Chicago Tribune
- The Redeye
- Baltimore Sun
- AM New York
- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Orlando Sentinel
- The Hartford Courant
- The Morning Call (Allentown, PA)
- Daily Press (Newport News, VA)
- The Advocate (Stamford, CT)--sold 2007
- Greenwich Time (CT)--sold 2007
- Hoy (newspaper)
- El Sentinel (Orlando)
Other:
- Chicago Cubs (and Wrigley Field)
- Tribune Media Services
- Classified Ventures, LLC (partial)
- CareerBuilder (partial)
- Brass Ring
- Zap2it
- Chicago magazine
- Forsalebyowner.com
- Channel Guide Magazine
Former Tribune Properties:
Television:
(Station and Market Former and Current Affiliations Sold to...) WATL, Atlanta, GA WB/MyNet Sold to Gannett Corporation in 2006 WCWN, Albany, NY WB/CW Sold to Freedom Communications in 2006 WGCL (formerly WGNX), Atlanta, GA Ind./CBS traded to Meredith Corporation in 1999 WLVI, Boston, MA WB/CW Sold to Sunbeam Television in 2006
-10/2007 Time Media sells the Recycler Classifieds to Target Media Partners. Recycler publishes 4 ad papers, and 11 weekly or bi-weekly photo ad and employment guides in Southern California.
-10/2007 The Tribune Company sells its two southern Connecticut daily papers, the Greenwich Time and The Advocate of Stamford, to Hearst Corp. for $62.4 million. The papers will be managed by MediaNews Group.
SOURCE: GREED WATCH
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:09 PM 0 Comments
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San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Private eye nabs newspaper theft suspects
Higher prices for recycled newsprint have caused a surge in newspaper thefts, the Berkeley Daily Planet reports. The thefts have prompted publishers to form a coalition to push police to enforce a new state law prohibiting such thefts and persuade recycling centers to not accept large quantities of newspapers with recent dates on them. The thefts also led the East Bay Express to hire a private investigator to catch the perpetrators. Zelda Bronstein of the Planet writes:
"On his first night out, early on Dec. 12, the private detective caught and filmed the man and an accomplice in the act. The thieves ended up in front of KMC Paper, a recycling business on Oakland’s Poplar Street, where they were met by eight police cars. The man lacked a driver’s license, and his pickup truck had no license plate. He was issued a citation, and his vehicle was impounded."
According to East Bay Express president Hal Brody, the truck contained more than 500 copies of the Express and nearly that number of Bay Guardians, as well as substantial numbers of the Daily Planet, the East Bay Daily News, Bay Area Business Woman, Classified Flea Market, El Men-sajero, El Avisador Magazine, Diablo Dealer Auto Mart, Bay Classifieds, and Jobs and Careers.
One underlying difficulty is ignorance of the law on the part of recyclers, the general public and even some police, the Planet notes. The Express’s private investigator spent 20 minutes on the phone convincing the Oakland Police dispatcher that stealing free newspapers is a crime. It became a crime in California last January, when AB 2612 went into effect.
Private eye nabs newspaper theft suspects
Higher prices for recycled newsprint have caused a surge in newspaper thefts, the Berkeley Daily Planet reports. The thefts have prompted publishers to form a coalition to push police to enforce a new state law prohibiting such thefts and persuade recycling centers to not accept large quantities of newspapers with recent dates on them. The thefts also led the East Bay Express to hire a private investigator to catch the perpetrators. Zelda Bronstein of the Planet writes:
"On his first night out, early on Dec. 12, the private detective caught and filmed the man and an accomplice in the act. The thieves ended up in front of KMC Paper, a recycling business on Oakland’s Poplar Street, where they were met by eight police cars. The man lacked a driver’s license, and his pickup truck had no license plate. He was issued a citation, and his vehicle was impounded."
According to East Bay Express president Hal Brody, the truck contained more than 500 copies of the Express and nearly that number of Bay Guardians, as well as substantial numbers of the Daily Planet, the East Bay Daily News, Bay Area Business Woman, Classified Flea Market, El Men-sajero, El Avisador Magazine, Diablo Dealer Auto Mart, Bay Classifieds, and Jobs and Careers.
One underlying difficulty is ignorance of the law on the part of recyclers, the general public and even some police, the Planet notes. The Express’s private investigator spent 20 minutes on the phone convincing the Oakland Police dispatcher that stealing free newspapers is a crime. It became a crime in California last January, when AB 2612 went into effect.
Private eye nabs newspaper theft suspects
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 4:58 PM 0 Comments
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Bush condemns Bhutto assassination
Dec. 27 - U.S. President George W. Bush had a stern message for those responsible for the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Bhutto. Bhutto, the former prime minister was assassinated as she left an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi, putting the planned Jan. 8th presidential election in doubt. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.
President Bush makes statement on the death of Benazir Bhutto
"Laura and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, to her friends, to her supporters. We send our condolences to the families of the others who were killed in today's violence. And we send our condolences to all the people of Pakistan on this tragic occasion.
The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice. Mrs. Bhutto served her nation twice as Prime Minister and she knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country.
We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life".
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:20 AM 1 Comments
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Thursday Morning News
- Freedom buyout put off - Mark Lacter
- Benazir Bhutto assassinated - Michelle Malkin
- Matt Welch Wardrobe Big Topic in DC? - Kate Coe
- Meet John White and Emery Kauanui - Darleenisms
- State Budget Woes - Trickle Down - Claremont Insider
- Los Angeles Sportscaster Stu Nahan dead at 81 - Joz Joz Joz
- Under New Ownership, Times Building Fate Unclear - Angelenic
- Former Pakistan PM Benazir Bhutto assassinated - David Markland
- Despite Woes, McClatchy Banks on Newspapers - Wall Street Journal
- McClatchy On The Front Page… is it a signal or a sign? - Meta Printer
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:35 AM 0 Comments
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Is it Cold Outside?
As I watch my thermometer slowly rise to 39 degrees this morning, Jacque Turner and Speedcat Hollydale in Minnesota, tell me this is not cold weather. What we consider cold weather in Southern California is actually warm weather in different parts of our country.
As I watch my thermometer slowly rise to 39 degrees this morning, Jacque Turner and Speedcat Hollydale in Minnesota, tell me this is not cold weather. What we consider cold weather in Southern California is actually warm weather in different parts of our country.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:05 AM 1 Comments
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Pakistan's Bhutto assassinated at rally
Former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, was murdered after speaking at a rally this morning. The streets of Pakistan look like Los Angeles during the riots, with fires burning throughout the country. Her killer detonated a bomb strapped to him, killing not only himself, but also twenty innocent bystanders. What a waste of life this tragic event shows.
Former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, was murdered after speaking at a rally this morning. The streets of Pakistan look like Los Angeles during the riots, with fires burning throughout the country. Her killer detonated a bomb strapped to him, killing not only himself, but also twenty innocent bystanders. What a waste of life this tragic event shows.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:19 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Health care cost hike helps union effort
The Guild's $500,000 campaign to unionize workers at the combined Contra Costa Times-ANG newspapers wasn't attracting much interest from employees until last month when their health care premiums jumped, the SF Weekly reports. Employees quickly discovered that the increase wasn't as sharp for unionized employees at the Mercury News, which is also owned by MediaNews. Now, the unionization effort is gaining momentum, the SF Weekly reports. The Weekly quotes one unnamed Contra Costa Times employee as saying she might become the newsroom's Norma Rae, who would lead the effort to organize workers like the textile worker played by Sally Field in the 1979 movie. The would-be Norma Rae is quoted as saying:
"Every day some new crap happens that nobody can believe. We always felt protected here because the Times was profitable, but health care increases showed us how vulnerable we are. MediaNews is going to do what suits them and we really don't matter."
Now Chronicle reporter and union organizer Carl Hall says he is convinced he has enough support to call for an official vote, which requires 30 percent of BANG employees to sign cards saying they want the Newspaper Guild to represent them. But actually winning a vote is much more uncertain. "If we held the election today, we'd have 100 votes," he says. "We need 50 more." By the way, Hall is taking six months off from his job at the Chronicle in order to work full time on organizing the Times-ANG news operation.
The SF Weekly says management held a Nov. 5 seminar for top editors to give them talking points if the union campaign comes up: Editors first assure the employees that it is absolutely their right to unionize. Next, they should seamlessly segue into the poor financial health of the newspaper industry and how there is nothing a union can do about that. Finally, they should politely bring up how the ANG union did so little for its members. Wages and benefits in the previously unionized ANG newsroom were about the worst in the Bay Area.
The Guild says it wants to cooperate with management and work to reinforce quality journalism. MediaNews chief executive Dean Singleton is skeptical, saying:
"I've been in the newspaper business for three and a half decades, and I've never had a union work for me. Management has its own responsibilities, and for the life of me, I've never seen a union contribute to those."
Health care cost hike helps union effort
The Guild's $500,000 campaign to unionize workers at the combined Contra Costa Times-ANG newspapers wasn't attracting much interest from employees until last month when their health care premiums jumped, the SF Weekly reports. Employees quickly discovered that the increase wasn't as sharp for unionized employees at the Mercury News, which is also owned by MediaNews. Now, the unionization effort is gaining momentum, the SF Weekly reports. The Weekly quotes one unnamed Contra Costa Times employee as saying she might become the newsroom's Norma Rae, who would lead the effort to organize workers like the textile worker played by Sally Field in the 1979 movie. The would-be Norma Rae is quoted as saying:
"Every day some new crap happens that nobody can believe. We always felt protected here because the Times was profitable, but health care increases showed us how vulnerable we are. MediaNews is going to do what suits them and we really don't matter."
Now Chronicle reporter and union organizer Carl Hall says he is convinced he has enough support to call for an official vote, which requires 30 percent of BANG employees to sign cards saying they want the Newspaper Guild to represent them. But actually winning a vote is much more uncertain. "If we held the election today, we'd have 100 votes," he says. "We need 50 more." By the way, Hall is taking six months off from his job at the Chronicle in order to work full time on organizing the Times-ANG news operation.
The SF Weekly says management held a Nov. 5 seminar for top editors to give them talking points if the union campaign comes up: Editors first assure the employees that it is absolutely their right to unionize. Next, they should seamlessly segue into the poor financial health of the newspaper industry and how there is nothing a union can do about that. Finally, they should politely bring up how the ANG union did so little for its members. Wages and benefits in the previously unionized ANG newsroom were about the worst in the Bay Area.
The Guild says it wants to cooperate with management and work to reinforce quality journalism. MediaNews chief executive Dean Singleton is skeptical, saying:
"I've been in the newspaper business for three and a half decades, and I've never had a union work for me. Management has its own responsibilities, and for the life of me, I've never seen a union contribute to those."
Health care cost hike helps union effort
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:11 PM 0 Comments
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Wednesday Morning Linkage
Former Pressroom Manager of the Santa Barbara News-Press Matt Armstrong and Edward
- Los Angeles Times Shines City - Kate Coe
- The Ten Dumbest Moves of 2007 - Mayor Sam
- Los Angeles Times In 90 Seconds - Mayrav Saar
- Winners: Santa Photo Caption Contest - Nikki Finke
- A freer hand for private Tribune - Michael A. Hiltzik
- LAFD: Don't Burn Holiday Wrappings in Fireplace - Brian Humphrey
- News Corp. Unloads Eight Stations to Oak Hill - Broadcasting and Cable
- Baltimore Sun Gives Control of Editorials to Newsroom - New York Times
- TRIBUNE COMPANY SUMMARY OF WHAT THEY OWN - Greed Watch
- Sam Zell wastes no time making big changes at Tribune - Monterey Herald
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:50 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Take Back the Times: Is This The First Zell Move, Or Just Coincidence?
By Ken Reich
The year ahead is certain to be a dramatic one for the Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times, under its new CEO, Sam Zell. Since, in the newspaper business at least, he is such an unknown quantity, all we can do is watch carefully, and hope for the best.
Already, in the Los Angeles Times Business section this morning, there is an article by Roger Vincent speculating which pieces of Tribune-owned real estate, Tribune might sell, in order to pay down its heavy debt somewhat. At present, Vincent writes, Tribune only leases the old Times-Mirror Square, but it has an option to buy this property, and then could turn around and either sell or lease out the now mostly-empty Times-Mirror corporate headquarters. The Times, he writes, is likely to stay where it is in the older buildings on the famous Square.
There's quite a bit about the various options for the Tribune Tower in Chicago. Zell has already indicated he will sell the KTLA Studios in Hollywood, and there are opportunities for sales in Baltimore and elsewhere. Zell has vowed to sell the Chicago Cubs, maybe even before the start of the next season.
All this is interesting, but a small article in yesterday's New York Times piqued my interest more about Zell's plans, since it dealt with the future editorial page editorship of the Baltimore Sun, one of Tribune's big newspapers, and I think the real proof in the pudding about Zell will be what he does with his newspapers editorially.
To continue reading, click on the link below.
Is This The First Zell Move, Or Just Coincidence?
The year ahead is certain to be a dramatic one for the Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times, under its new CEO, Sam Zell. Since, in the newspaper business at least, he is such an unknown quantity, all we can do is watch carefully, and hope for the best.
Already, in the Los Angeles Times Business section this morning, there is an article by Roger Vincent speculating which pieces of Tribune-owned real estate, Tribune might sell, in order to pay down its heavy debt somewhat. At present, Vincent writes, Tribune only leases the old Times-Mirror Square, but it has an option to buy this property, and then could turn around and either sell or lease out the now mostly-empty Times-Mirror corporate headquarters. The Times, he writes, is likely to stay where it is in the older buildings on the famous Square.
There's quite a bit about the various options for the Tribune Tower in Chicago. Zell has already indicated he will sell the KTLA Studios in Hollywood, and there are opportunities for sales in Baltimore and elsewhere. Zell has vowed to sell the Chicago Cubs, maybe even before the start of the next season.
All this is interesting, but a small article in yesterday's New York Times piqued my interest more about Zell's plans, since it dealt with the future editorial page editorship of the Baltimore Sun, one of Tribune's big newspapers, and I think the real proof in the pudding about Zell will be what he does with his newspapers editorially.
To continue reading, click on the link below.
Is This The First Zell Move, Or Just Coincidence?
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:34 PM 0 Comments
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Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Merry Christmas
By Kanani Fong
My house is always the slowest one to get decorated. While neighbors are very efficient at getting their lights up with military precision the day after Thanksgiving, I tend to put a strand up, forget what I'm doing, then start again on another day. The entire process takes weeks. Some days the lights go on, others they don't. I finally finished this afternoon, putting up some plastic ornaments on a bare myrtle tree. (The lights are new LED strands which use 88% less energy).
I was barefoot and standing in the front yard, when Santa drove by in a white Mercedes convertible with a buxom blond elf in the passenger seat. "Merry Christmas" they both yelled, they drove away laughing. It's not Currier and Ives here, it's Santa in a Merc with a babe out of Victoria's Secret. Which brings to mind what else happened today.
My kids and I were driving across a parking lot, when a skinny woman crossed in front of me. You could tell by her movements that she was a clumsy awkward person. It was in her gait, the way she held her hand. But most of all, it was the way she walked with her enormous bought boobs (maybe they were a gift from Santa and the elf). She appeared to walk on her tippy toes in a shuffle that followed the lead of her boobs, her body bent in a forward angle. It was as if there were a small chihuahua nipping at her heels, propelling her forward as if by surprise. Her hair was dyed and teased, the t-shirt was tight. The boobs were so over-sized that they made her look like a Looney tune.
From the back seat, my son said, "Did you see that?"
"Yes," I said.
"Well, I can't believe it. They're so high."
"Enormous," I said.
"Yeah, I can't believe that little girl was wearing such big UGG boots. I hate UGGS. They're so ugly."
"UGGS?" I asked.
Just then, I caught sight of the girl he was referring to, which was not the shuffling double breasted boobie who had wandered in front of our car. This girl over to the side was wearing bright pink UGGS and they seemed to take up her entire leg.I started laughing.
Tonight I am baking persimmon bread. The kids are watching The Simpson's Movie, I washed the dog. So my Christmas Eve consists of the scent of bread, the sounds of Homer Simpson and laughter, along with the smell of a wet dog. It's Christmas Eve, and it's swell.
By Kanani Fong
My house is always the slowest one to get decorated. While neighbors are very efficient at getting their lights up with military precision the day after Thanksgiving, I tend to put a strand up, forget what I'm doing, then start again on another day. The entire process takes weeks. Some days the lights go on, others they don't. I finally finished this afternoon, putting up some plastic ornaments on a bare myrtle tree. (The lights are new LED strands which use 88% less energy).
I was barefoot and standing in the front yard, when Santa drove by in a white Mercedes convertible with a buxom blond elf in the passenger seat. "Merry Christmas" they both yelled, they drove away laughing. It's not Currier and Ives here, it's Santa in a Merc with a babe out of Victoria's Secret. Which brings to mind what else happened today.
My kids and I were driving across a parking lot, when a skinny woman crossed in front of me. You could tell by her movements that she was a clumsy awkward person. It was in her gait, the way she held her hand. But most of all, it was the way she walked with her enormous bought boobs (maybe they were a gift from Santa and the elf). She appeared to walk on her tippy toes in a shuffle that followed the lead of her boobs, her body bent in a forward angle. It was as if there were a small chihuahua nipping at her heels, propelling her forward as if by surprise. Her hair was dyed and teased, the t-shirt was tight. The boobs were so over-sized that they made her look like a Looney tune.
From the back seat, my son said, "Did you see that?"
"Yes," I said.
"Well, I can't believe it. They're so high."
"Enormous," I said.
"Yeah, I can't believe that little girl was wearing such big UGG boots. I hate UGGS. They're so ugly."
"UGGS?" I asked.
Just then, I caught sight of the girl he was referring to, which was not the shuffling double breasted boobie who had wandered in front of our car. This girl over to the side was wearing bright pink UGGS and they seemed to take up her entire leg.I started laughing.
Tonight I am baking persimmon bread. The kids are watching The Simpson's Movie, I washed the dog. So my Christmas Eve consists of the scent of bread, the sounds of Homer Simpson and laughter, along with the smell of a wet dog. It's Christmas Eve, and it's swell.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:45 AM 1 Comments
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Changing Family Traditions
Christmas 2007 will be over in but twenty-two hours, but I wish it were Christmas past and nothing more than a bad memory now.
I worked a double shift last night and printed the Los Angeles Times for the San Fernando Valley, and when my product was looking it’s best, I was able to relax for a moment and scan through the many pages of the newspaper.
A particular article, by Sandy Banks, caught my attention regarding traditions and how her family has made changes the past two years. Why this was of interest to me was the lost tradition my family had on getting together for Christmas Eve the past twenty-three years. We ended our tradition tonight, so Sandy’s story grabbed my attention, as I should have been with my six children tonight, as usual, and not working.
We have moved our tradition to Christmas Day, and not at my house, but at my daughter Lauren’s home. So Christmas Eve just did not feel normal, but changes are something we have to deal with in life. My colleagues at the newspaper understand what I’m referring to, but many new users may not have a clue why we changed our tradition, so click here to fully understand what my family is going through this Christmas Day.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Everyone.
Christmas 2007 will be over in but twenty-two hours, but I wish it were Christmas past and nothing more than a bad memory now.
I worked a double shift last night and printed the Los Angeles Times for the San Fernando Valley, and when my product was looking it’s best, I was able to relax for a moment and scan through the many pages of the newspaper.
A particular article, by Sandy Banks, caught my attention regarding traditions and how her family has made changes the past two years. Why this was of interest to me was the lost tradition my family had on getting together for Christmas Eve the past twenty-three years. We ended our tradition tonight, so Sandy’s story grabbed my attention, as I should have been with my six children tonight, as usual, and not working.
We have moved our tradition to Christmas Day, and not at my house, but at my daughter Lauren’s home. So Christmas Eve just did not feel normal, but changes are something we have to deal with in life. My colleagues at the newspaper understand what I’m referring to, but many new users may not have a clue why we changed our tradition, so click here to fully understand what my family is going through this Christmas Day.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Everyone.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:16 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, December 24, 2007
Fruitcake Friends
"There are different levels of friendship. In my world, the highest level is very difficult to attain, it's only available to a select few who have passed a most unusual hurdle. Ignoring ridicule and hackneyed clichés, these few reaffirm each year at this time that they are the finest. These are the ones who love fruitcake...."
Read the rest on:
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Fruitcake Friends
"There are different levels of friendship. In my world, the highest level is very difficult to attain, it's only available to a select few who have passed a most unusual hurdle. Ignoring ridicule and hackneyed clichés, these few reaffirm each year at this time that they are the finest. These are the ones who love fruitcake...."Read the rest on:
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Fruitcake Friends
posted by Kanani |
¶ 8:53 AM 0 Comments
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Monday Morning Media News
Bill Conover and Laura Molina
- Online identity management and search in the age of transparency - Pew
- Providence Guild agreement on a new 3-year contract - The Phoenix
- Lexington Newspaper Guild Takes Contract Fight -- To YouTube - E&P
- Zell bets some chips on Vegas' Greenspun - Chicago Tribune
- Why Sam Zell Avoids the 'Big Lies' of New Owners - Editor & Publisher
- Vietnam veteran hit with felony charges over shot - Michelle Malkin
- News Corp. selling eight TV stations for $1.1 billion - Market Watch
- Student settles Apple suit by shutting site - SF Peninsula Press Club
- Rutten on Tribune's time in Los Angeles - Kevin Roderick
- Here's Striking WGAE Xmas Statement - Nikki Finke
- A change of hands for Tribune - Los Angeles Times
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:18 AM 0 Comments
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
Jacob Soboroff and Why Tuesday?
Jacob Soboroff and the Why Tuesday? team arrived to cover the Des Moines Register presidential debates this week in Johnston, Iowa by horse-drawn carriage. Why? Watch the video.
Jacob Soboroff and the Why Tuesday? team arrived to cover the Des Moines Register presidential debates this week in Johnston, Iowa by horse-drawn carriage. Why? Watch the video.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:03 PM 0 Comments
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Mayor Sam's Sister City Blogger Party
Edward and Mayor SamLast night I headed over to North Hollywood for Mayor Sam’s Sister City Bloggers party, and arrived two minutes before the party started, which was scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. As I entered the bar, I noticed the place was void of people, so I questioned the attractive bartender and she stated she was unaware of a blogger party being held at the NoBar tonight.
As I pondered if I had erred on the date of the party, I sipped on a cold beer, and thought about driving back to San Dimas. Feeling a bit foolish for not paying attention to the date, Mayor Sam walks in, which changed my face from frowning to smiling.
Before long there was standing room only, as the bloggers and users squeezed into the backroom for a chance to meet Mayor Sam. The missing bloggers, Zuma Dogg, Brian Humphrey, CD-13, Joseph Mailander, and Red Spot saddened me.
But there will be further parties next year, thank you Mayor Sam for hosting the party last night, I had a fun time.
Edward and Mayor SamAs I pondered if I had erred on the date of the party, I sipped on a cold beer, and thought about driving back to San Dimas. Feeling a bit foolish for not paying attention to the date, Mayor Sam walks in, which changed my face from frowning to smiling.
Before long there was standing room only, as the bloggers and users squeezed into the backroom for a chance to meet Mayor Sam. The missing bloggers, Zuma Dogg, Brian Humphrey, CD-13, Joseph Mailander, and Red Spot saddened me.
But there will be further parties next year, thank you Mayor Sam for hosting the party last night, I had a fun time.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 12:19 PM 2 Comments
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Pressroom Christmas Party
Fred Kirby was having a great time at our Christmas party last Friday, with plenty of food for all, we had a great time together for a few minutes. Additional photographs can be viewed on Flickr, and remember, the pictures are grouped into sets that can be viewed as thumbnails as there are over 2,300 pictures with many more to be added.
David Martinez hosted our party, collected money from everyone, decorated the quiet room, and set the food out in an attractive manner. David is pictured with Monica Hayes, our human resources representative.
And a special thanks to Gatha Hayes and Laura Molina for helping serve the food. Thanks for caring about us David, we all appreciate your efforts very much.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:33 AM 0 Comments
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
Let's Say Thanks to Our Troops
By Jade
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My son-in-law is home from Iraq with my daughter and I'm very grateful for that. However, I am having a difficult time remembering that there are so many of our troops still overseas. I've been sending postcards to our troops through the "Let's Say Thanks" web page. I've included a link here for you to follow. Please consider doing this as many times as you'd like. In fact, I have it saved it to my "Favorites" and go to it often. It won't cost you anything but the time it takes to type your name, city and message!
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families, especially now during the Christmas season.
(Click on title to send an electronic greeting)
By Jade
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My son-in-law is home from Iraq with my daughter and I'm very grateful for that. However, I am having a difficult time remembering that there are so many of our troops still overseas. I've been sending postcards to our troops through the "Let's Say Thanks" web page. I've included a link here for you to follow. Please consider doing this as many times as you'd like. In fact, I have it saved it to my "Favorites" and go to it often. It won't cost you anything but the time it takes to type your name, city and message!
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families, especially now during the Christmas season.
(Click on title to send an electronic greeting)
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:02 PM 0 Comments
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Disgruntled Investor from Hell
Last Thursday while entering work orders into the database at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility Randy Price took a call he would not soon forget, it went something like this:
Randy: Hello, Los Angeles Times Electric Department.
Caller: Is this the Los Angeles Times?
Randy: Yes it is how can I help you?
Caller: I’m a Tribune Company investor, and I want to tell you I’m very unhappy with the money you have given to the CEO.
Randy: Can I redirect your call Miss, you have the wrong number.
Caller: SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME.
Randy: At this point, Randy simply allowed the caller to vent before she hung up on him, not knowing what to say.
After getting off the floor from our laughter, while Randy shared his story with a straight face, we figured she would tell her friends that she told off the Los Angeles Times. Our hats are off to Randy Price for keeping his cool during this brief barrage of verbal abuse, and allowing the caller to vent her feelings.
Randy: Hello, Los Angeles Times Electric Department.
Caller: Is this the Los Angeles Times?
Randy: Yes it is how can I help you?
Caller: I’m a Tribune Company investor, and I want to tell you I’m very unhappy with the money you have given to the CEO.
Randy: Can I redirect your call Miss, you have the wrong number.
Caller: SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME.
Randy: At this point, Randy simply allowed the caller to vent before she hung up on him, not knowing what to say.
After getting off the floor from our laughter, while Randy shared his story with a straight face, we figured she would tell her friends that she told off the Los Angeles Times. Our hats are off to Randy Price for keeping his cool during this brief barrage of verbal abuse, and allowing the caller to vent her feelings.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 4:02 PM 0 Comments
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Los Angeles Times Commericial
In theater trailer for new Image section from the Los Angeles Times.
In theater trailer for new Image section from the Los Angeles Times.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:45 PM 0 Comments
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Saturday Morning News
Photo credit Matt Maldre
- Zell Wastes No Time Cleaning Up the Tribune Company - 5 Blogs Before Lunch
- Real estate mogul Sam Zell takes control of The Sun's parent - Baltimore Sun
- Orlando Sentinel's parent company goes private - Orlando Sentinel
- Under New Owner, Courant's Parent Going Private - Courant.com
- McClatchy Nov. Revenue Drops 9.2 Percent - Associated Press
- Open minds greet Zell agenda in L.A. - Los Angeles Times
- "We Want The Awards" Really? Truly? No! - Nikki Finke
- Zell makes himself known in a hurry - Chicago Tribune
- Zell closes deal for The Times - Los Angeles Times
- Newspaper Process Control - Meta Printer
- Screw Wall Street - Ad Pulp
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:49 AM 0 Comments
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Friday, December 21, 2007
Newspaper Guild contract fight at the Lexington Herald-Leader
Newsroom workers at the Lexington Herald-Leader protest mean-spirited contract demands made by The McClatchy Co. Visit fairnessatHL.com for more information.
Guild rallies for fairness at Lexington Herald-Leader
Guild rallies for fairness at Lexington Herald-Leader
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:27 PM 0 Comments
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A Talk With Author Frank Schaeffer
This month, we spoke to author Frank Schaeffer. Read the excerpt here, then swing by our litblog, The Writerly Pause
"Crazy For God has been reviewed in a spectrum ranging from Jane Smiley in The Nation and Warren Cole Smith in the Christian news journal The World, as well as out on the C-SPAN, the Boston Globe and the blogosphere. The reason for such wide reviews is that he was born into an evangelical family, which helped to shape the religious right. He also walked away from it all. Frank's memoir is not only the examination, but the unleashing of all that has driven him in the past..."
This month, we spoke to author Frank Schaeffer. Read the excerpt here, then swing by our litblog, The Writerly Pause
"Crazy For God has been reviewed in a spectrum ranging from Jane Smiley in The Nation and Warren Cole Smith in the Christian news journal The World, as well as out on the C-SPAN, the Boston Globe and the blogosphere. The reason for such wide reviews is that he was born into an evangelical family, which helped to shape the religious right. He also walked away from it all. Frank's memoir is not only the examination, but the unleashing of all that has driven him in the past..."
Labels: crazy for god, evangelicals, frank schaeffer
posted by Kanani |
¶ 6:54 PM 0 Comments
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Dear Mr. Zell
For the first time in ages, I was made to sit still. No, I wasn't at the dentist, nor was I waiting to get my boob smashed by a mammogram. In other words, I wasn't being tortured. No, I was having an unexpected repair done on my ten-year old Volvo and had foolishly agreed to wait in the lobby. There was plenty to do. There were magazines, 4 magpies squawking on The View, and there were newspapers, too. Fortunately, they had the LA Times, which is fairly special since I happened to be in Orange County, also known as behind the Orange Curtain, or as I like to think of it, that place where the women get blonder as they get older.
I read about the changes underfoot at the LA Times. I was amused that they chose to comment on your clothes and colorful language (and that you used to sell Playboy to kids in the suburbs at a mark-up, which should qualify you for an appearance on The Girls Next Door). I suppose if you were poorer, they'd put you on TV with Stacey London, go through your closet, berate you for your clothing and give you 5K to buy new ones. But no, because of your position, your flamboyance is allowed to stand on its own. Frankly, I think we're luckier for it, don't you? Because what we don't need is another suit, and what we can never have again is an Otis Chandler.
I have only one request.
Hire me.
That's right. Me.
The one who got pulled into this because of the Pressmen, the one who writes whatever she damned well pleases, the one who reviews books, writes recipes, tells people about the dumb things she does, uses enough big words to make my late English teacher proud, who knows there's no its' but just its, the one Al Martinez said about, "Kanani, you're a damned fine writer," --heady stuff for a broad from the sticks who came to LA to surf but when she found out Pomona was nowhere near the beach, her response was to transfer to Long Beach. (And wow, was that a long time ago, or what?). Anyway, hire me. Because Al Martinez will never and should never retire. So just hire me now. It's time.
For the first time in ages, I was made to sit still. No, I wasn't at the dentist, nor was I waiting to get my boob smashed by a mammogram. In other words, I wasn't being tortured. No, I was having an unexpected repair done on my ten-year old Volvo and had foolishly agreed to wait in the lobby. There was plenty to do. There were magazines, 4 magpies squawking on The View, and there were newspapers, too. Fortunately, they had the LA Times, which is fairly special since I happened to be in Orange County, also known as behind the Orange Curtain, or as I like to think of it, that place where the women get blonder as they get older.
I read about the changes underfoot at the LA Times. I was amused that they chose to comment on your clothes and colorful language (and that you used to sell Playboy to kids in the suburbs at a mark-up, which should qualify you for an appearance on The Girls Next Door). I suppose if you were poorer, they'd put you on TV with Stacey London, go through your closet, berate you for your clothing and give you 5K to buy new ones. But no, because of your position, your flamboyance is allowed to stand on its own. Frankly, I think we're luckier for it, don't you? Because what we don't need is another suit, and what we can never have again is an Otis Chandler.
I have only one request.
Hire me.
That's right. Me.
The one who got pulled into this because of the Pressmen, the one who writes whatever she damned well pleases, the one who reviews books, writes recipes, tells people about the dumb things she does, uses enough big words to make my late English teacher proud, who knows there's no its' but just its, the one Al Martinez said about, "Kanani, you're a damned fine writer," --heady stuff for a broad from the sticks who came to LA to surf but when she found out Pomona was nowhere near the beach, her response was to transfer to Long Beach. (And wow, was that a long time ago, or what?). Anyway, hire me. Because Al Martinez will never and should never retire. So just hire me now. It's time.
Labels: kanani wants a job, sam zell
posted by Kanani |
¶ 6:02 PM 0 Comments
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Ha ha...made me laugh
Only women of a certain era will fully appreciate this.... true story. (if you don't understand this, tell your mother, she'll get it)
A Michigan woman and her family were vacationing in a small New England town where Paul Newman and his family often visited.
One Sunday morning, the woman got up early to take a long walk. After a brisk five-mile hike, she decided to treat herself to a double-dip chocolate ice cream cone.
She hopped in the car, drove to the center of the village and went straight to the combination bakery/ice cream parlor.
There was only one other patron in the store. Paul Newman, sitting at the counter having a doughnut and coffee.
The woman's heart skipped a beat as her eyes made contact with those famous baby-blue eyes.
The actor nodded graciously and the star struck woman smiled demurely.
Pull yourself together! She chided herself. You're a happily married woman with three children, you're forty-five years old, not a teenager!
The clerk filled her order and she took the double-dip chocolate ice cream cone in one hand and her change in the other. Then she went out the door, avoiding even a glance in Paul Newman's direction.
When she reached her car, she realized that she had a handful of change but her other hand was empty. Where's my ice cream cone? Did I leave it in the store? Back into the shop she went, expecting to see the cone still in the clerk's hand or in a holder on the counter or something. No ice cream cone was in sight.
With that, she happened to look over at Paul Newman. His face broke into his familiar warm friendly grin and he said to the woman,
"You put it in your purse! "Labels: absent mindedness, Funny, paul newman, starstruck
posted by Kanani |
¶ 5:58 PM 2 Comments
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Friday Morning Links
Fellow Blogger Ed Fuentes
- Those Hulking Media Failures - Business Week
- Los Angeles Times in 90 Seconds - Mayrav Saar
- Tribune Company buyout finalized - Blogging Stocks
- Tribune Company Sold, Cubs Next - Bleed Cubbie Blue
- Zell Cuts Hiller Some Slack, At Least For Now - Ken Reich
- Speak no Evil, See no Evil, Hear no Evil...... - Ronnie Pineta
- Zell Takes Control of Tribune Company {audio} - WGN Radio
- FCC’s Kevin Martin Plays Santa to the Chicago Tribune - Free Press
- New Guard Arrives at Tribune, Who Speaks His Mind - New York Times
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:01 AM 0 Comments
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Get Well Soon Kevin Roderick
My favorite blogger Kevin Roderick (picture to the right) has eaten something that has him off his feet and away from his keyboard the last two days. Lets hope Kevin is back to his old self as soon as possible, especially with all the news at the newspaper.
Speaking of blogs, last Friday David Hiller told the group at Olympic he enjoys my blog much better than a blog that I cannot mention, David’s request that I have honored. Imagine that, a publisher that reads blogs, according to AARP, anyone that blogs or reads blogs over the age of fifty is in the minority of computer users. I think their data is off the mark, or they polled the wrong city, Los Angeles has many bloggers and users over the age of fifty, including yours truly.
Speaking of blogs, last Friday David Hiller told the group at Olympic he enjoys my blog much better than a blog that I cannot mention, David’s request that I have honored. Imagine that, a publisher that reads blogs, according to AARP, anyone that blogs or reads blogs over the age of fifty is in the minority of computer users. I think their data is off the mark, or they polled the wrong city, Los Angeles has many bloggers and users over the age of fifty, including yours truly.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:45 AM 1 Comments
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Welcome Roy Rico to our Humble Blog
The Tribune Company added a new CEO and Chairman of the board yesterday; we have added Roy Rico to our blogroll. Please welcome our newest addition, and be prepared for his banter, that is sure to move you.
Many of my Tribune Boss’ would like to comment here, so I am considering allowing anonymous comments once again, that’s if I can convince Kanani and Nubia to aid me in this very time consuming venture.
The Tribune Company added a new CEO and Chairman of the board yesterday; we have added Roy Rico to our blogroll. Please welcome our newest addition, and be prepared for his banter, that is sure to move you.
Many of my Tribune Boss’ would like to comment here, so I am considering allowing anonymous comments once again, that’s if I can convince Kanani and Nubia to aid me in this very time consuming venture.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:28 AM 1 Comments
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Free Revenue
Can anyone get Brian Greenspun, to use one of his connections in Las Vegas to pay for one of those bright color television displays used on the strip, so we can put it on top of the OLY roof? It would be the welcoming sign as you enter Downtown Los Angeles.
I can only imagine how much money an advertiser would be willing to pay, to have a full blown picture of the exact same ad, they just purchased on the paper. This would be one of the greatest VALUE ADDED incentives that I can see helping our circulation numbers. As the sign would be on top of the roof of one of the busiest Interstates in the Nation. We would also have an ability to show snippets of what we printed that morning on the News Paper, giving us the chance to reach out to non subscribers, with the added opportunity to engage them with a story that might not otherwise capture their attention on the front page. That can help street sales initially, but then some of those folks, just might want to get the paper delivered in the morning instead of having to stop and pick one up. The Casino that decides to "donate" this big television would have the added opportunity to launch a great advertising campaign to help thwart the Indian Casino Blitz that is going on right now. It would be a win-win for all.
I can only imagine how much money an advertiser would be willing to pay, to have a full blown picture of the exact same ad, they just purchased on the paper. This would be one of the greatest VALUE ADDED incentives that I can see helping our circulation numbers. As the sign would be on top of the roof of one of the busiest Interstates in the Nation. We would also have an ability to show snippets of what we printed that morning on the News Paper, giving us the chance to reach out to non subscribers, with the added opportunity to engage them with a story that might not otherwise capture their attention on the front page. That can help street sales initially, but then some of those folks, just might want to get the paper delivered in the morning instead of having to stop and pick one up. The Casino that decides to "donate" this big television would have the added opportunity to launch a great advertising campaign to help thwart the Indian Casino Blitz that is going on right now. It would be a win-win for all.
posted by Wolf |
¶ 5:17 AM 2 Comments
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tribune's new board
By Mark Lacter
It's a pretty intimate group of seven (not counting Zell) that includes Jeff Berg, CEO of International Creative Management (that’ll create some interesting challenges over in the Calendar and Business sections), Brian Greenspun, president and editor of the Las Vegas Sun (and son of the legendary Hank Greenspun), William Pate, chief investment officer of Equity Group Investments (and Zell's right-hand man), and two directors under the old Tribune: William Osborn, chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Corp. and Betsy Holden, formerly co-CEO of Kraft Foods. The short and the sweet of it is that there will be no boardroom revolts. This is Sam's show.
By Mark Lacter
It's a pretty intimate group of seven (not counting Zell) that includes Jeff Berg, CEO of International Creative Management (that’ll create some interesting challenges over in the Calendar and Business sections), Brian Greenspun, president and editor of the Las Vegas Sun (and son of the legendary Hank Greenspun), William Pate, chief investment officer of Equity Group Investments (and Zell's right-hand man), and two directors under the old Tribune: William Osborn, chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Corp. and Betsy Holden, formerly co-CEO of Kraft Foods. The short and the sweet of it is that there will be no boardroom revolts. This is Sam's show.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:24 PM 0 Comments
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Message from Sam Zell, New Owner of Tribune Company
Folks,
Great news from Sam that our transaction is completed. I’m excited about this new chapter and hope you are, too. I’ll be meeting with Sam here soon to talk about our plans for 2008 and beyond, as we discussed at our Town Hall meetings last week.
Today at 12:30 pm (Pacific Time), we will broadcast today’s press conference live in the Chandler Auditorium, Olympic Plant, OC, CCN, Chatsworth, Inland Empire, Monrovia, Westside, New York, Glendale, and Washington D.C., as well as on the Square’s internal TV monitors. We’ll do the same drill for Sam’s interview at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) on Friday.
Lots of great things in the works, so stay tuned.
David
___________________________________________
From: Talk to Sam
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:08 AM
Subject: Tribune Transaction Closed!
Fellow Investor:
It’s a great day – for you, for me, and for this company.
We’ve now launched the boat together, and we have to start paddling. We’ve got a long way to go to shed all the things that tied us down in the past, and to realize the enormous potential we can create. You'll see a lot of changes in the coming months.
Þ We will take intelligent risks and reward innovation.
Þ We will tear down bureaucracy and reward entrepreneurial spirit.
Þ We will compete fiercely but with integrity.
Þ We will work hard and have fun.
Two important events for employees today and tomorrow will be broadcast live to our business units across the country:
· Today at 2:30 CDT (3:30 EDT, 12:30 PDT) we’ll hold a press conference and take questions from reporters.
· And join me tomorrow at 11 a.m. CDT (12 EDT, 9 PDT) for an interview with the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times.
An audio webcast of the press conference will be available on Triblink and Tribune.com, and an audio webcast of the interview will be available on Triblink. Video from both events will be available on Tribune.com shortly after each concludes.
I’m looking forward to meeting many of you during a site-visit road show in mid-January.
And, on an ongoing basis, I strongly encourage you to send your ideas, comments and questions to me at talktoSam@Tribune.com.
Let’s go for greatness.
Sam Zell
Folks,
Great news from Sam that our transaction is completed. I’m excited about this new chapter and hope you are, too. I’ll be meeting with Sam here soon to talk about our plans for 2008 and beyond, as we discussed at our Town Hall meetings last week.
Today at 12:30 pm (Pacific Time), we will broadcast today’s press conference live in the Chandler Auditorium, Olympic Plant, OC, CCN, Chatsworth, Inland Empire, Monrovia, Westside, New York, Glendale, and Washington D.C., as well as on the Square’s internal TV monitors. We’ll do the same drill for Sam’s interview at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) on Friday.
Lots of great things in the works, so stay tuned.
David
___________________________________________
From: Talk to Sam
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:08 AM
Subject: Tribune Transaction Closed!
Fellow Investor:
It’s a great day – for you, for me, and for this company.
We’ve now launched the boat together, and we have to start paddling. We’ve got a long way to go to shed all the things that tied us down in the past, and to realize the enormous potential we can create. You'll see a lot of changes in the coming months.
Þ We will take intelligent risks and reward innovation.
Þ We will tear down bureaucracy and reward entrepreneurial spirit.
Þ We will compete fiercely but with integrity.
Þ We will work hard and have fun.
Two important events for employees today and tomorrow will be broadcast live to our business units across the country:
· Today at 2:30 CDT (3:30 EDT, 12:30 PDT) we’ll hold a press conference and take questions from reporters.
· And join me tomorrow at 11 a.m. CDT (12 EDT, 9 PDT) for an interview with the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times.
An audio webcast of the press conference will be available on Triblink and Tribune.com, and an audio webcast of the interview will be available on Triblink. Video from both events will be available on Tribune.com shortly after each concludes.
I’m looking forward to meeting many of you during a site-visit road show in mid-January.
And, on an ongoing basis, I strongly encourage you to send your ideas, comments and questions to me at talktoSam@Tribune.com.
Let’s go for greatness.
Sam Zell
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:18 PM 0 Comments
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Message from David Hiller Publisher Los Angeles Times
Hi Folks,
Greetings from the windy city. Another eventful day in the life of our company.
It looks like we are still on track to complete the transaction, likely tomorrow. I spoke with Sam today and he is very excited to get things going.
When the deal closes, there will be a lot of communications, starting with an email to everybody to let you know it’s done, and to talk about next steps.
Stay tuned. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.
David
Hi Folks,
Greetings from the windy city. Another eventful day in the life of our company.
It looks like we are still on track to complete the transaction, likely tomorrow. I spoke with Sam today and he is very excited to get things going.
When the deal closes, there will be a lot of communications, starting with an email to everybody to let you know it’s done, and to talk about next steps.
Stay tuned. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.
David
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:15 PM 0 Comments
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Tribune Deal Completed
Mike Randall and Bill Delgado
- Tribune taken private as deal closes at $34 a share - Market Watch
- Tribune completes privatization deal - Reuters
- Tribune completes transaction to become private company - Market Watch
- Tribune’s FitzSimons Resigns As Zell Takeover Nears - Paid Content
- Tribune Company Deal Expected to Go Through Today - Chicago Public Radio
- Tribune Co. chairman to resign - SFN Blog
- The Bad Referees at the FCC - Ivory Towerz
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:54 AM 0 Comments
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Take Back the Times: Zell's First Big Move Is A Sign Of Flamboyance
By Ken Reich
The L.A. Times has been covering its own tribulations quite well, much better than most newspapers would in the same circumstances, and that is manifest this morning in the Business section story by Tom Mulligan and Michael Hiltzik reporting on new Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell's first major move now that he is taking charge.
[SNIP]
(I did FitzSimons an injustice yesterday in saying he had a severance package of $40 million. As a New York Times story by Richard Perez-Pena reports this morning, it is actually $19 million, with another $19 million derived from the sale of stock, restricted stock grants and stock options FitzSimons was already holding. I have corrected the figures in yesterday's blog, and regret the error. FitzSimons is still getting an excellent departure deal, but it does not bear comparision with the reported $100 million plus that Mark Willes got when he was ousted as CEO of Times-Mirror at the time it was sold from under him by a financial officer to the Tribune Co. ).
Click on blue link below for complete article.
Zell's First Big Move Is A Sign Of Flamboyance
The L.A. Times has been covering its own tribulations quite well, much better than most newspapers would in the same circumstances, and that is manifest this morning in the Business section story by Tom Mulligan and Michael Hiltzik reporting on new Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell's first major move now that he is taking charge.
[SNIP]
(I did FitzSimons an injustice yesterday in saying he had a severance package of $40 million. As a New York Times story by Richard Perez-Pena reports this morning, it is actually $19 million, with another $19 million derived from the sale of stock, restricted stock grants and stock options FitzSimons was already holding. I have corrected the figures in yesterday's blog, and regret the error. FitzSimons is still getting an excellent departure deal, but it does not bear comparision with the reported $100 million plus that Mark Willes got when he was ousted as CEO of Times-Mirror at the time it was sold from under him by a financial officer to the Tribune Co. ).
Click on blue link below for complete article.
Zell's First Big Move Is A Sign Of Flamboyance
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:49 AM 0 Comments
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wishing all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a safe, blessed and prosperous New Year!
Nubia
Nubia
posted by Nubia |
¶ 9:02 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: The Dancing Executives
In an attempt to keep the Christmas spirit on the lighter side follow this link to be entertained by Dennis FitzSimons, David Hiller, Sam Zell, and Ed Padgett.
Now you know why three of the men are dancing....
Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: The Dancing Executives
Now you know why three of the men are dancing....
Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: The Dancing Executives
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:43 PM 0 Comments
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UPDATE:Tribune deal will close
By Mark Lacter
That's what the WSJ's M&A guy Dennis Berman just posted, based on three sources. And Tribune stock, after falling sharply this morning, is back up over $33 a share. Berman notes that the company received a solvency opinion from a third party adviser, which supposedly will provide comfort to all parties - as will the pending sale of the Cubs, which is expected to go for over $1 billion. That money will help in making debt payments. The Journal post says that the deal will be completed tomorrow.
That's what the WSJ's M&A guy Dennis Berman just posted, based on three sources. And Tribune stock, after falling sharply this morning, is back up over $33 a share. Berman notes that the company received a solvency opinion from a third party adviser, which supposedly will provide comfort to all parties - as will the pending sale of the Cubs, which is expected to go for over $1 billion. That money will help in making debt payments. The Journal post says that the deal will be completed tomorrow.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:26 PM 0 Comments
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Tribune Update from Mark Lacter
*Zell ups Tribune investment
By Mark Lacter
*Update: Oops. Zell is adding another $65 million to his initial investment of $250 million, though contrary to earlier wire reports that I used in my earlier post, the infusion had been part of the original deal. So nothing unexpected. Tribune stock took a big hit this morning, falling as low as $30.81, but it has since recovered to $32.32 (the buyout price is $34 a share). All this comes after a Chicago Tribune story that had bankers expressing doubts about funding the Tribune purchase. And for good reason: the credit markets are still crummy, which means that they'll be shouldering the debt loads themselves. And Tribune isn't exactly Google when it comes to attracting investors.
While all this is going on, the WSJ reports that radio executive Randy Michaels is expected to join the company in the next few days. What he'll do is not known. Tribune announced this morning that CEO Dennis FitzSimons will leave once the deal is complete. And in another interesting nugget, the Chicago Tribune reports this morning that Zell will become Tribune CEO, suggesting that he'll have a hands-on role in reshaping the company, at least in the beginning (it's hard to believe that he'll be in the CEO spot for long).
*Zell ups Tribune investment
By Mark Lacter
*Update: Oops. Zell is adding another $65 million to his initial investment of $250 million, though contrary to earlier wire reports that I used in my earlier post, the infusion had been part of the original deal. So nothing unexpected. Tribune stock took a big hit this morning, falling as low as $30.81, but it has since recovered to $32.32 (the buyout price is $34 a share). All this comes after a Chicago Tribune story that had bankers expressing doubts about funding the Tribune purchase. And for good reason: the credit markets are still crummy, which means that they'll be shouldering the debt loads themselves. And Tribune isn't exactly Google when it comes to attracting investors.
While all this is going on, the WSJ reports that radio executive Randy Michaels is expected to join the company in the next few days. What he'll do is not known. Tribune announced this morning that CEO Dennis FitzSimons will leave once the deal is complete. And in another interesting nugget, the Chicago Tribune reports this morning that Zell will become Tribune CEO, suggesting that he'll have a hands-on role in reshaping the company, at least in the beginning (it's hard to believe that he'll be in the CEO spot for long).
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:42 AM 0 Comments
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Tribune Company News for Wednesday
Dennis FitzSimons CEO of Tribune with Edward the Pressman Blogger
- FitzSimons to Step Down as Tribune Company Chairman - Tribune Company
- Zell, About To Take Over, To Axe FitzSimons - Ken Reich
- Tribune downgraded by Deutsche Securities - Briefing.com
- Tribune shares fall amid concerns about deal - Market Watch
- Tribune Co. will pay $15 million to settle - Editor & Publisher
- Tribune facing an 11th-hour grilling - Chicago Tribune
- Tribune Co. CEO expected to resign - Local 12
- Tribune CEO is expected to resign - Los Angeles Times
- Tribune (TRB) Deal In Trouble - 24/7 Wall Street
- Tribune deal gets interesting - Mark Lacter
- LAT In 90 Seconds - Mayrav Saar
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:05 AM 0 Comments
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Message From Dennis FitzSimons CEO Tribune
From: Dennis FitzSimons
Sent: Wed Dec 19 08:41:58 2007
Subject: Stepping down
Tribune Colleagues,
As of tomorrow, Tribune will be a private company a great result for our sharehholders and employees. I'd like to say thank you to co-workers across the company for the hard work that enabled us to complete this transaction. And thank you also to all of Tribune's employees who stayed focused on serving our customers during what has been a lengthy process.
As you know, Sam Zell has made a significant personal investment in Tribune. He will become Chairman of the Board, effective at the close. I will be stepping down as Chairman and CEO and after helping with some postt-transaction matters will leave the company at the ennd of the year. It's the right time for this transition and for Tribune's 20,000 employees to hear a single voice from the top.
I'm very proud of the accomplishments made by so many in the company as we have navigated the significant structural changes affecting our industry. In particular, I'd like to mention:
* Scott Smith, Bob Gremillion, David Hiller, Tim Landon and their teams in Publishing/Interactive. Thanks to them, Tribune newspapers are providing our communities with outstanding journalism while operating more efficiently and deploying significant resources to invest in Tribune's digital future. Fast-growing niche publications like RedEye and amNY are also becoming significant revenue contributors.
* John Reardon at Tribune Broadcasting, which has made a dramatic turnaround under his leadership. A great team is in place and Tribune's TV stations are positioned for a year of outstanding operating cash flow growth in 2008 based on much-improved ratings and excellent local news performance.
* Shaun Sheehan, VP/Washington, whose work with the FCC and Congressional leaders enabled us to surmount regulatory obstacles; and
* The group here at Corporate, including Don Grenesko, Chandler Bigelow and the finance group; Crane Kenney, Dave Eldersveld, Mark Hianik and the legal department; Tom Leach and Dan Kazan in Development; Luis Lewin, Irene Sewell in HR; Ruthellyn Musil,Gary Weitman in Communications, and others, who have worked non-stop for the last 10 months on the process that will culminate tomorrow.
I've been privileged to spend 25 years at Tribune and very fortunate to have known and worked with so many talented, dedicated people during that time. While I can't possibly name all of you in this note, I am grateful for your support and contributions to the company.
Again, completing this "going private" transaction is a great outcome for our shareholders, employees and customers. Work on the transformation of Tribune will continue out of the glare of the public markets and emplmployees will have the opportunity to share in the very real upside of that transformation. Extraordinary people have made Tribune successful for 160 years as the media landscape has evolved. I have no doubt that success will continue.
I will miss working with you to help achieve the many great things that are ahead for Tribune. At the same time, I know that Sam Zell, an entrepreneur with a phenomenal track record, comes to the company with a strong belief in the value of Tribune's people and media assets. It was Sam's creativity, personal commitment and investment which made this transaction possible.
I wish Sam and all of you the very best as th the company moves forward into a new ownership structure and a successful future.
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:58 AM 0 Comments
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TRIBUNE COMPANY PRESS RELEASE
FitzSimons to Step Down as Tribune Company Chairman and CEO
CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2007 - Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) announced today that Dennis FitzSimons will step down as chairman and chief executive officer immediately after the company completes its going-private transaction. FitzSimons will leave the company at the end of the year.
"I am proud to have been part of Tribune for more than 25 years," said FitzSimons. "The companys greatest strength has always been the talent and dedication of its 20,000 employees. I thank them for their commitment to serving our readers, viewers, listeners and advertisers."
On April 2, 2007, Tribune announced its intention to become a private company, owned 100 percent by the Tribune Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Tribune ESOP). At that time, Sam Zell made an initial investment of $250 million in the company. He joined Tribunes board of directors in May. When the transaction closes, his investment in Tribune will increase to $315 million and he will become chairman of the board.
"Sam Zell is an entrepreneur with a phenomenal track record," added FitzSimons. "He has made a significant investment in Tribune that indicates his strong belief in the value of the companys media assets. It was Sams creativity, personal commitment and investment that made this transaction possible."
"Dennis FitzSimons has provided Tribune with outstanding leadership through a challenging environment," said Zell. "He helped build the company into one of the nations premier media businesses, and has been instrumental in guiding Tribune to the closing of this historic transaction. I wish him much success in the next phase of his career."
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:40 AM 0 Comments
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Changes at the Tribune Company
From what I’m hearing, from several sources, all forty Tribune Company executives will be departing the company within the next few weeks, so last Friday’s visit with David Hiller may have been a farewell. But before you start to feel sorry for them, they will all be walking with bags of cash from the free stocks they awarded themselves on February 14th, 2007 and the golden parachute of $269,000,000 million they will be passing out to one another for Christmas.
As one Tribune boss put it “The executives earned a great deal of money for the company”, which may or may not be true? Which leads me to my poor math skills, how do you bring the value of a $20 billion dollar company to $8 billion dollars, and reward yourself with such hansom severance packages? I’m having trouble figuring this out, but I’m not very good with numbers, so I’ll assume the executives have done a great job.
From what I’m hearing, from several sources, all forty Tribune Company executives will be departing the company within the next few weeks, so last Friday’s visit with David Hiller may have been a farewell. But before you start to feel sorry for them, they will all be walking with bags of cash from the free stocks they awarded themselves on February 14th, 2007 and the golden parachute of $269,000,000 million they will be passing out to one another for Christmas.
As one Tribune boss put it “The executives earned a great deal of money for the company”, which may or may not be true? Which leads me to my poor math skills, how do you bring the value of a $20 billion dollar company to $8 billion dollars, and reward yourself with such hansom severance packages? I’m having trouble figuring this out, but I’m not very good with numbers, so I’ll assume the executives have done a great job.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:11 AM 1 Comments
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Happy Birthday Edward Young
Please wish long time pressman, Edward Young, at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility a happy birthday this afternoon.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:57 AM 1 Comments
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Take Back the Times: Zell, About To Take Over, To Axe FitzSimons
By Ken Reich
Sam Zell, about to take over the Tribune Co., is making the first of a series of necessary moves. Three Tribune newspapers, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun, all report today that the inept company CEO, Dennis FitzSimons, is on his way out. The L.A. Times story says possibly as soon as today. The Chicago Tribune story says maybe not for several days.
[SNIP]
Now, if he doesn't eat too much of the lousy Chicago food, FitzSimons, at 57, can look forward to a long happy life, perhaps on a ranch in Montana, which he will certainly now be able to afford. I just hope for his sake that he is willing to commit part of his severance to it.
Putting him aside, into the trash bin of big business mediocrity, the question will soon arise what other immediate changes Zell, a real estate magnate who has been tremendously successful in life, but is new to the newspaper business, will make as he takes over the Tribune Co.
Certainly, appointing a new publisher and a new editor for the Los Angeles Times, and gettling new, ambitious expansion policies underway there, should be his greatest priority.
Click on the link below for the complete Ken Reich article.
Zell, About To Take Over, To Axe FitzSimons
Sam Zell, about to take over the Tribune Co., is making the first of a series of necessary moves. Three Tribune newspapers, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun, all report today that the inept company CEO, Dennis FitzSimons, is on his way out. The L.A. Times story says possibly as soon as today. The Chicago Tribune story says maybe not for several days.
[SNIP]
Now, if he doesn't eat too much of the lousy Chicago food, FitzSimons, at 57, can look forward to a long happy life, perhaps on a ranch in Montana, which he will certainly now be able to afford. I just hope for his sake that he is willing to commit part of his severance to it.
Putting him aside, into the trash bin of big business mediocrity, the question will soon arise what other immediate changes Zell, a real estate magnate who has been tremendously successful in life, but is new to the newspaper business, will make as he takes over the Tribune Co.
Certainly, appointing a new publisher and a new editor for the Los Angeles Times, and gettling new, ambitious expansion policies underway there, should be his greatest priority.
Click on the link below for the complete Ken Reich article.
Zell, About To Take Over, To Axe FitzSimons
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:31 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Fitzsimons expected to quit Tribune
By Kevin Roderick
With the Zellionaire's takeover of Tribune expected to close this week, the L.A. Times and the Chicago Tribune are reporting that chairman and chief executive Dennis J. FitzSimons could resign as soon as tomorrow. The Tribune, though, says there are some late-hour snags in the Sam Zell acquisition and that "FitzSimons would likely stay on until the transaction is finalized." Bankers are still skittish about the numbers and demanding answers before signing off. When the deal goes through, Zell would become chairman of the newly private Tribune Company, which owns the Times and KTLA here, as well as the Tribune, media properties around the country and the Chicago Cubs.
Los Angeles Times
Dennis FitzSimons would be leaving just before the buyout of the company is completed. He could walk away with as much as $40 million.
Chicago Tribune
Tribune facing an 11th-hour grilling.
By Kevin Roderick
With the Zellionaire's takeover of Tribune expected to close this week, the L.A. Times and the Chicago Tribune are reporting that chairman and chief executive Dennis J. FitzSimons could resign as soon as tomorrow. The Tribune, though, says there are some late-hour snags in the Sam Zell acquisition and that "FitzSimons would likely stay on until the transaction is finalized." Bankers are still skittish about the numbers and demanding answers before signing off. When the deal goes through, Zell would become chairman of the newly private Tribune Company, which owns the Times and KTLA here, as well as the Tribune, media properties around the country and the Chicago Cubs.
Los Angeles Times
Dennis FitzSimons would be leaving just before the buyout of the company is completed. He could walk away with as much as $40 million.
Chicago Tribune
Tribune facing an 11th-hour grilling.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:45 PM 0 Comments
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Among Ourselves 1924 - 2006 R.I.P.
In 1924 the Los Angeles Times began a publication for the employees of the newspaper called Among Ourselves, the Tribune killed this in the summer of 2006. The company newspaper would be mailed to retired employees so they could keep up with their colleagues and the events occurring at their old employer. But this moral building tool was considered a waste of money, and as you can see if you follow this link, another Los Angeles Times tradition to bite the dust.
After the posting regarding Monica Hayes birthday on Monday, many colleagues felt this would be a good alternative to Among Ourselves. Everyone from the Los Angeles Times is welcome to submit births, celebrations, vacations, something for sale, etc. here.
After the posting regarding Monica Hayes birthday on Monday, many colleagues felt this would be a good alternative to Among Ourselves. Everyone from the Los Angeles Times is welcome to submit births, celebrations, vacations, something for sale, etc. here.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:14 PM 0 Comments
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San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Will MediaNews buy a Bay Area TV station?
The FCC decided today to allow media companies to own both a newspaper and TV station in the same city in the nation's 20 largest markets, including the Bay Area.
The 3-2 party line vote opens the door to MediaNews Group or Hearst buying a local TV station. Neither company has indicated any interest in purchasing a Bay Area TV station, though MediaNews owns a CBS affiliate in Anchorage, Alaska and Hearst owns about 80 percent of the stock in Hearst-Argyle Television, which has 26 stations including Sacramento's NBC affiliate, KCRA Channel 3. MediaNews has been on a Bay Area buying binge in the past few years, acquiring the Mercury News and Contra Costa Times in 2006, giving it most of the dailies in the region.
Commissioner Kyle Copps, a Democrat, (shown above in the foreground with fellow commissioner Kevin Martin, Republican, in the background) blasted the decision as being "terrible" for those who want local news.
"In the final analysis, the real winners today are businesses that are in many cases quite healthy, and the real losers are going to be all of us who depend on the news media to learn what's happening in our communities and to keep an eye on local government."
On the other hand, the three Republican commissioners argued that with the Internet and cable TV, there are more news outlets today than ever before.
"We cannot ignore the fact that the media marketplace is considerably different than it was when the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership (rule) was put in place more than 30 years ago," said Kevin Martin, according to a Dow Jones report.
Under the change, if a newspaper acquires a TV station in the same city, the station can't be one of the four largest in the market. The rule change also grants permanent waivers to media companies that already own TV stations and newspapers in the same city, such Tribune Co. in Chicago, Gannett in Phoenix and News Corp. in New York.
San Francisco's only newspaper-television combination was the Chronicle and KRON-TV. But the families who owned both sold the newspaper in 2000 to Hearst and the TV station to Young Broadcasting Co. (Photo credit: Gerald Herbert, AP)
San Francisco Peninsula Press Club
The 3-2 party line vote opens the door to MediaNews Group or Hearst buying a local TV station. Neither company has indicated any interest in purchasing a Bay Area TV station, though MediaNews owns a CBS affiliate in Anchorage, Alaska and Hearst owns about 80 percent of the stock in Hearst-Argyle Television, which has 26 stations including Sacramento's NBC affiliate, KCRA Channel 3. MediaNews has been on a Bay Area buying binge in the past few years, acquiring the Mercury News and Contra Costa Times in 2006, giving it most of the dailies in the region.
Commissioner Kyle Copps, a Democrat, (shown above in the foreground with fellow commissioner Kevin Martin, Republican, in the background) blasted the decision as being "terrible" for those who want local news.
"In the final analysis, the real winners today are businesses that are in many cases quite healthy, and the real losers are going to be all of us who depend on the news media to learn what's happening in our communities and to keep an eye on local government."
On the other hand, the three Republican commissioners argued that with the Internet and cable TV, there are more news outlets today than ever before.
"We cannot ignore the fact that the media marketplace is considerably different than it was when the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership (rule) was put in place more than 30 years ago," said Kevin Martin, according to a Dow Jones report.
Under the change, if a newspaper acquires a TV station in the same city, the station can't be one of the four largest in the market. The rule change also grants permanent waivers to media companies that already own TV stations and newspapers in the same city, such Tribune Co. in Chicago, Gannett in Phoenix and News Corp. in New York.
San Francisco's only newspaper-television combination was the Chronicle and KRON-TV. But the families who owned both sold the newspaper in 2000 to Hearst and the TV station to Young Broadcasting Co. (Photo credit: Gerald Herbert, AP)
San Francisco Peninsula Press Club
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:08 PM 0 Comments
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Tuesday Morning News
Pressroom supervisor Woody Johnson with publisher David Hiller
- Newspaper Publisher: Google Steals Content - Johns Blog
- Chicago Tribune to Increase Newsstand Price to 75 Cents - Associated Press
- LITHOGRAPHIC NEWSPAPER REPRODUCTION CONCERNS - Meta Printer
- Laura Huxley Lives On Forever in My Mind - Tammara
- Rush to Raise Taxes - Boi from Troy
- Local Papers' Web Scramble - Wall Street Journal
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:04 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, December 17, 2007
Bloggers on Ice
Having worked in downtown Los Angeles over thirty-five years I have learned to avoid certain parts of the city after dark, and Pershing Square happened to be on that list, until tonight. After reading about Bloggers on Ice I ventured over to Pershing Square, with my car doors in the locked position, as I tried to recall where I was headed. After driving in circles for a few minutes I broke down and asked for directions, seems I was four blocks south of where I needed to be.
The Pershing Square I remember was a drug user infested area, but as I pulled into the parking garage across the street, a quick glance of the new and improved Square was visible. It had been over twenty years since I last visited or had driven by Pershing Square, and what a transformation the place has taken over the years.
As I walked across the street from the underground parking structure, there were actually families walking the streets of Los Angeles, at night! Downtown Los Angeles is changing for the better it appears, a place where families can visit once again.
The bloggers and users had gathered at the far end of the ice rink, and only two brave souls from the group took to the ice, as the remainder of us watched and snapped photographs. The gathering was short lived as the rain arrived a bit earlier than anticipated, and with nowhere to shield us against the rain, the majority of us departed for the warmth of our homes.
Having worked in downtown Los Angeles over thirty-five years I have learned to avoid certain parts of the city after dark, and Pershing Square happened to be on that list, until tonight. After reading about Bloggers on Ice I ventured over to Pershing Square, with my car doors in the locked position, as I tried to recall where I was headed. After driving in circles for a few minutes I broke down and asked for directions, seems I was four blocks south of where I needed to be.
The Pershing Square I remember was a drug user infested area, but as I pulled into the parking garage across the street, a quick glance of the new and improved Square was visible. It had been over twenty years since I last visited or had driven by Pershing Square, and what a transformation the place has taken over the years.
As I walked across the street from the underground parking structure, there were actually families walking the streets of Los Angeles, at night! Downtown Los Angeles is changing for the better it appears, a place where families can visit once again.
The bloggers and users had gathered at the far end of the ice rink, and only two brave souls from the group took to the ice, as the remainder of us watched and snapped photographs. The gathering was short lived as the rain arrived a bit earlier than anticipated, and with nowhere to shield us against the rain, the majority of us departed for the warmth of our homes.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:25 PM 2 Comments
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Yeah, I cook, too....
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Food Save: Persimmon Bread Trifle
"I made persimmon bread this week in molds, and none of them came out of the molds gracefully. Long story. Call it pre-Xmas distraction, where everything else has already gone to hell and a hand basket. But don't fret, pet. The bread tasted swell.
I had so much of it, I decided to make a persimmon bread trifle. Between you and me, there's nothing a bit of Frangelico can't fix!"
Read the rest by clicking on the link above!
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Food Save: Persimmon Bread Trifle
"I made persimmon bread this week in molds, and none of them came out of the molds gracefully. Long story. Call it pre-Xmas distraction, where everything else has already gone to hell and a hand basket. But don't fret, pet. The bread tasted swell.
I had so much of it, I decided to make a persimmon bread trifle. Between you and me, there's nothing a bit of Frangelico can't fix!"
Read the rest by clicking on the link above!
Labels: persimmon bread, persimmons, recipes
posted by Kanani |
¶ 9:08 PM 0 Comments
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Happy Birthday Monica Hayes
Please wish Monica Hayes of human resources (pictured on the left) a happy birthday today, and congratulate her on her recent engagement.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:13 PM 1 Comments
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Monday Morning Media News
Raul, Gonzo, and Benny
- The Year in Deals - Portfolio
- Bloodbath at CBS News - Huffington Post
- Focus on Andrew Malcolm - Kevin Roderick
- Monday Hotsheet at 3 a.m. - Joseph Mailander
- Partyin' With Garcetti - Militant Angeleno
- Veronique de Turenne Joins The LAT - Fishbowl L.A.
- Television Schedules Return to Newspaper - Orlando Sentinel
- FCC Proposes Greater Media Consolidation - Sott Net
- Baseball's shame is our shame too - Tim Rutten
- Metromix Goes Print - Mayrav Saar
- SAG To WGA: "Your Fight Is Our Fight" - Nikki Finke
- USA Today ends Hawaii printing - Pacific Business News
- Readers lament E-N's decision to leave parts of Texas - Express-News
- Tribune reporter kicked off embed for this story - Chicago Tribune
- Trump's a grump about column on his 'priceless' tips - Los Angeles Times
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:43 AM 0 Comments
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
Blogger Events This Week
Ever wonder what a blogger looks like? Tomorrow you can find out by attending Bloggers on Ice at the new ice skating rink located at Pershing Square at 6:30 p.m. Eric Richardson and his gang of writers will be descending upon the ice, for our amusement, and camaraderie. I will be attending after work, hoping to meet Brady Westwater and Militant Angeleno, sometime after 8:00 p.m., hope to see you there.
Next Saturday the group from Mayor Sam will be in NoHo for their first ever Mayor Sam party, and everyone is invited to both gatherings. Jesse Espinoza and I will be attending the Mayor Sam event together, and hope to see everyone there.
Next Saturday the group from Mayor Sam will be in NoHo for their first ever Mayor Sam party, and everyone is invited to both gatherings. Jesse Espinoza and I will be attending the Mayor Sam event together, and hope to see everyone there.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:16 PM 0 Comments
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Pressman Blogger Meets the Publisher
Edward the Pressman Blogger meets David the Publisher Blogger
It’s not often Operations gets a visit from the publisher of our newspaper, so when David Hiller came to our facility last Friday, many of us were abuzz by his presence. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet David, he asked me to call him David not Mr. Hiller some time ago, he’s quick with a smile and a handshake. David is also an excellent orator, who uses words we can all understand, which makes his words extremely motivational.
I asked David if he planned on staying with the Los Angeles Times after the sale of the company is completed this week, and he said, “I certainly hope so”. Let’s hope Sam Zell keeps David at the helm of our newspaper and not bring in another new face, it’s better for the moral of the employees, and keeping David with the Times makes financial sense.
David also stated he would bring Sam Zell to the Olympic Facility to meet the Operations Employees sometime soon, I’m looking forward to meeting Sam Zell face to face instead of in the media.
Lastly, David said he was considering allowing access to his personal blog from outside the walls of The Times, which would allow many of us to read what he has to share.
I asked David if he planned on staying with the Los Angeles Times after the sale of the company is completed this week, and he said, “I certainly hope so”. Let’s hope Sam Zell keeps David at the helm of our newspaper and not bring in another new face, it’s better for the moral of the employees, and keeping David with the Times makes financial sense.
David also stated he would bring Sam Zell to the Olympic Facility to meet the Operations Employees sometime soon, I’m looking forward to meeting Sam Zell face to face instead of in the media.
Lastly, David said he was considering allowing access to his personal blog from outside the walls of The Times, which would allow many of us to read what he has to share.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:42 AM 0 Comments
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Retired Pressman Joe Ornelas
Emmett Jaime has sent out a message regarding our old friend Joe Ornelas (seated) and I felt it worth sharing.
Emmett said: "I got an e-mail from Gary Burchfield informing me that Joe is in a convalescent home in Montebello. Today I went to visit him, he is in room 417B. He was asleep we I got there but he woke up after I called him, he looks a little frail but he knew who I was, I'm sure he would recognize you if you visited him. We talked about the old work place and of the people who used to work there. He has alot of family pictures up on the wall behind his bed but no Christmas cards. If you can't stop by to visit him send him a card, he would really appreciate it but if you want to pay him a visit here is the address and visiting hours. He told me that besides family "nobody of his old work buddies come to visit me". He told me that he has a pain in his stomach and that he is suppose to have a doctor examine him to see if he needs surgery".
Editors Note:
Joe Ornelas was an old timer when I started working in the pressroom, and a very funny man. His favorite saying was "SAP", meaning, lets go have a cold beer during our lunch break. If you can't make it to the hospital to visit with Joe, send him a Christmas card to let him know you're thinking about him. Thank you Emmett Jaime for the information regarding Joe.
Rio Hondo Convalescent Facility
273 Beverly Blvd.
Montebello, CA. 90640-3775
Room 417B
323.724.5100
Emmett Jaime has sent out a message regarding our old friend Joe Ornelas (seated) and I felt it worth sharing.
Emmett said: "I got an e-mail from Gary Burchfield informing me that Joe is in a convalescent home in Montebello. Today I went to visit him, he is in room 417B. He was asleep we I got there but he woke up after I called him, he looks a little frail but he knew who I was, I'm sure he would recognize you if you visited him. We talked about the old work place and of the people who used to work there. He has alot of family pictures up on the wall behind his bed but no Christmas cards. If you can't stop by to visit him send him a card, he would really appreciate it but if you want to pay him a visit here is the address and visiting hours. He told me that besides family "nobody of his old work buddies come to visit me". He told me that he has a pain in his stomach and that he is suppose to have a doctor examine him to see if he needs surgery".
Editors Note:
Joe Ornelas was an old timer when I started working in the pressroom, and a very funny man. His favorite saying was "SAP", meaning, lets go have a cold beer during our lunch break. If you can't make it to the hospital to visit with Joe, send him a Christmas card to let him know you're thinking about him. Thank you Emmett Jaime for the information regarding Joe.
Rio Hondo Convalescent Facility
273 Beverly Blvd.
Montebello, CA. 90640-3775
Room 417B
323.724.5100
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:19 PM 2 Comments
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Executive Editor Meredith Artley Welcomes New Bloggers
Colleagues: As we wrap up a great year at latimes.com, I'm excited to announce the following changes and additions to our digital efforts.
Bettie Rinehart is taking on the new role of Weekend Editor. In her almost eight years at latimes.com, Bettie has been a writer, editor, producer and, during her stint as Editor of Reader Interactivity, headed up the launch of Your Scene, one of the most popular and innovative areas of the site. Bettie also took the fledgling blog program at latimes.com and through recruiting, developing and working with talented in-house and freelance bloggers, built a section of original content that has more than doubled its page views in the past year. Bettie's in-depth knowledge of the site, the paper and our readers will come in handy in her new job, where she will help to create a new kind of latimes.com on the weekends by focusing on special features and projects and also guiding our weekend staff when news breaks to get us strongly and quickly off the ground. Bettie starts her new job on Jan. 24. So this raises the question of who will oversee new and existing blogs and user-generated content....
Tony Pierce, formerly the editor of LAist.com, is joining us as Blog Editor. Tony's tenure at LAist was marked by unique local postings that drew record-breaking traffic. Page views more than tripled at the group blog in the past year. How did he do it? By blogging the heck out of L.A., from launching the well-received Neighborhood Project to uniquely covering topics such as local sports, transportation and music to simply having fun by reviewing Thai restaurants with his colleagues. Tony knows L.A. and the blogosphere very well - he wowed us with ideas and suggestions about how we can improve many of the great blogs we have now, and what we can create for the future. He asked this question early on in the interview process: "If I can get a million page views with mostly amateurs as we blog about L.A., what can I do with real journalists and all of the access that comes with being part of the LAT?" Tony starts Dec. 17.
Veronique de Turenne is joining us as our lead blogger on a local news effort that's under development and scheduled to launch early next year. Her blog on LAObserved, Here in Malibu, is a smart, breezy, visual report from Paradise Cove. Veronique has a great bio, but we're biased because she has had many bylines with us before (327 since 1990). Many of those bylines were from her work on the State Desk, and she has also written for the Sunday Magazine, Home, Food, Outdoors and the Book Review. You may have also heard her voice as a book critic on NPR's Day to Day program. We look forward to having Veronique's voice on latimes.com, at the center of a new local news effort, working side by side with David Lauter and his team. Initially, Veronique will report into the innovation team. She starts Jan. 2.
Ben Welsh is joining us as our database producer. He's going to create all kinds of deep databases in a variety of sections, starting with a local focus (hmm... there's a theme in here). Ben will be integral to making latimes.com much more of a resource for our readers looking for specific information that matters to them. Ben previously worked at the Center for Public Integrity in Washington D.C. as their Interactive Technologies Editor and Assistant Database Editor. Ben will work closely with Eric Ulken, Doug Smith and many section editors, building great things for our readers. He starts Dec. 17. Ben reports into Dan Gaines.
Please join me in welcoming Tony, Veronique and Ben, and in congratulating Bettie.
Meredith Artley
Executive Editor, LATimes.com
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick's LAObserved
Colleagues: As we wrap up a great year at latimes.com, I'm excited to announce the following changes and additions to our digital efforts.
Bettie Rinehart is taking on the new role of Weekend Editor. In her almost eight years at latimes.com, Bettie has been a writer, editor, producer and, during her stint as Editor of Reader Interactivity, headed up the launch of Your Scene, one of the most popular and innovative areas of the site. Bettie also took the fledgling blog program at latimes.com and through recruiting, developing and working with talented in-house and freelance bloggers, built a section of original content that has more than doubled its page views in the past year. Bettie's in-depth knowledge of the site, the paper and our readers will come in handy in her new job, where she will help to create a new kind of latimes.com on the weekends by focusing on special features and projects and also guiding our weekend staff when news breaks to get us strongly and quickly off the ground. Bettie starts her new job on Jan. 24. So this raises the question of who will oversee new and existing blogs and user-generated content....
Tony Pierce, formerly the editor of LAist.com, is joining us as Blog Editor. Tony's tenure at LAist was marked by unique local postings that drew record-breaking traffic. Page views more than tripled at the group blog in the past year. How did he do it? By blogging the heck out of L.A., from launching the well-received Neighborhood Project to uniquely covering topics such as local sports, transportation and music to simply having fun by reviewing Thai restaurants with his colleagues. Tony knows L.A. and the blogosphere very well - he wowed us with ideas and suggestions about how we can improve many of the great blogs we have now, and what we can create for the future. He asked this question early on in the interview process: "If I can get a million page views with mostly amateurs as we blog about L.A., what can I do with real journalists and all of the access that comes with being part of the LAT?" Tony starts Dec. 17.
Veronique de Turenne is joining us as our lead blogger on a local news effort that's under development and scheduled to launch early next year. Her blog on LAObserved, Here in Malibu, is a smart, breezy, visual report from Paradise Cove. Veronique has a great bio, but we're biased because she has had many bylines with us before (327 since 1990). Many of those bylines were from her work on the State Desk, and she has also written for the Sunday Magazine, Home, Food, Outdoors and the Book Review. You may have also heard her voice as a book critic on NPR's Day to Day program. We look forward to having Veronique's voice on latimes.com, at the center of a new local news effort, working side by side with David Lauter and his team. Initially, Veronique will report into the innovation team. She starts Jan. 2.
Ben Welsh is joining us as our database producer. He's going to create all kinds of deep databases in a variety of sections, starting with a local focus (hmm... there's a theme in here). Ben will be integral to making latimes.com much more of a resource for our readers looking for specific information that matters to them. Ben previously worked at the Center for Public Integrity in Washington D.C. as their Interactive Technologies Editor and Assistant Database Editor. Ben will work closely with Eric Ulken, Doug Smith and many section editors, building great things for our readers. He starts Dec. 17. Ben reports into Dan Gaines.
Please join me in welcoming Tony, Veronique and Ben, and in congratulating Bettie.
Meredith Artley
Executive Editor, LATimes.com
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick's LAObserved
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:44 AM 0 Comments
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Friday, December 14, 2007
David Hiller Visits Operations
This afternoons meeting with David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, was positive and upbeat, but what I enjoyed best, the meeting was voluntary. In the past the employees of Operations were usually forced or coerced into attending meetings, not this time, and the room was full.
Mr. Hiller requested that the material discussed not be rebroadcast on blogs or anywhere else, at this time. So all I can say, I was very pessimistic before the meeting on the outcome of the Tribune Company going private, but now I’m optimistic with what the future holds for the employees of the Tribune Company.
Mr. Hiller requested that the material discussed not be rebroadcast on blogs or anywhere else, at this time. So all I can say, I was very pessimistic before the meeting on the outcome of the Tribune Company going private, but now I’m optimistic with what the future holds for the employees of the Tribune Company.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:35 PM 0 Comments
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The End Of The Week
Get Lost With Easy-Writer
"Morning. Sunny, soft blue skies. Across the valley are evergreens mixed with the yellows and reds of liquid ambers. Leaves drop later, things stay green, gardeners are employed year 'round. The Chinese Elm needs pruning. It's growing onto the roof and into the pampas grass below. Nature around us changes on a steady schedule. Unlike our days, which seem out of sync with the pace we lead. It's the literal koyaanisqatsi at times. Weeks go by with dramas, and perhaps we think it's unique until we realize that everyone has them. It's just life."
Read more on Easy-Writer. Just click on the link above.
Get Lost With Easy-Writer"Morning. Sunny, soft blue skies. Across the valley are evergreens mixed with the yellows and reds of liquid ambers. Leaves drop later, things stay green, gardeners are employed year 'round. The Chinese Elm needs pruning. It's growing onto the roof and into the pampas grass below. Nature around us changes on a steady schedule. Unlike our days, which seem out of sync with the pace we lead. It's the literal koyaanisqatsi at times. Weeks go by with dramas, and perhaps we think it's unique until we realize that everyone has them. It's just life."
Read more on Easy-Writer. Just click on the link above.
posted by Kanani |
¶ 1:21 PM 0 Comments
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Finally a Friday
Tony Young, Harrison Sparks, Jim Goodman, and Dan McQuitty
- Zell hopeful Tribune deal closes Dec. 20 - Chicago Tribune
- Defiant FCC chief refuses to delay vote - Los Angeles Times
- 2008: The Year of Newspaper Outsourcing - Rick Edmonds
- Thank the troops this season - Michelle Malkin
- Writers file labor charge against studios - Los Angeles Times
- Guild files another charge against Dayton Daily News - Dayton Business Journal
- Will You Help Los Angeles Neighbors in Need? - Brian Humphrey
- Class definitions always will be a moving target - Chicago Tribune
- News Corp. Completes Takeover of Dow Jones - New York Times
- FROM THE EDITOR: On County Salaries - San Bernadino Sun
- Newspapers v. Facebook - Buzz Machine
- Times announces $15 million press, building - Shreveport Times
- Friday Hotsheet at 3 a.m. - Joseph Mailander
- Unfettered 'citizen journalism' too risky - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:27 AM 0 Comments
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Workers' Compensation and Spying
Last Saturday a colleague, that happens to be away from work due too a medical condition, called with an odd story of spying. Apparently Workers’ Compensation felt his medical ailments were either false or suspicious, as they planted a spy in a van with heavily tinted windows near his home to photograph his every move.
After taking a call from one of his neighbors, regarding the suspicious nature of this van, our colleague went outside to investigate the van, which prompted the spy van to drive away. With keys in hand our friend hobbled to his car and gave chase of the van. After a short three mile trip the van pulled over next to a sheriff, and our friend pulled over as well. The driver of the van spoke with the deputy and drove away, as our colleague walked over to speak with the officer. The officer told our friend the driver of the van identified himself as a spy for workers’ compensation, which left him dumbfounded.
This is not an isolated incident, two other colleagues have experienced similar situations, and one colleague was shown photographs from this blog that were taken well before his accident in the workplace.
I’m certain there are many cases of fraud committed by individuals on a daily basis, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest, when fraud is discovered.
But who is watching the watchers? Aaron Davis has an interesting article on an audit of workers’ comp, that reveals the waste and fraud occurring within the walls of workers’ compensation. Someone needs to start an investigation of workers’ compensation, which would save us millions of dollars per year.
Last Saturday a colleague, that happens to be away from work due too a medical condition, called with an odd story of spying. Apparently Workers’ Compensation felt his medical ailments were either false or suspicious, as they planted a spy in a van with heavily tinted windows near his home to photograph his every move.After taking a call from one of his neighbors, regarding the suspicious nature of this van, our colleague went outside to investigate the van, which prompted the spy van to drive away. With keys in hand our friend hobbled to his car and gave chase of the van. After a short three mile trip the van pulled over next to a sheriff, and our friend pulled over as well. The driver of the van spoke with the deputy and drove away, as our colleague walked over to speak with the officer. The officer told our friend the driver of the van identified himself as a spy for workers’ compensation, which left him dumbfounded.
This is not an isolated incident, two other colleagues have experienced similar situations, and one colleague was shown photographs from this blog that were taken well before his accident in the workplace.
I’m certain there are many cases of fraud committed by individuals on a daily basis, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest, when fraud is discovered.
But who is watching the watchers? Aaron Davis has an interesting article on an audit of workers’ comp, that reveals the waste and fraud occurring within the walls of workers’ compensation. Someone needs to start an investigation of workers’ compensation, which would save us millions of dollars per year.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:35 AM 0 Comments
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David Hiller Visits Olympic Facility
David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, will pay a visit to our facility this afternoon to give us a clue as to what will be occurring when the Tribune Company sale is completed next week. It could also be a farewell from David as the company transitions from a public company to a private entity. Here’s what David sent out a few days ago.
Folks –
With the FCC action approving our waivers last week, it now looks like we’ll have our transaction completed before the holidays. As I mentioned on my blog yesterday, I visited Sam Zell over the weekend, and it’s fair to say he’s pumped up about the future. For a little more on my conversation with Sam, see my PubBlog (I need the page views J).
As we get ready for this new chapter, I’d like to get together with you all to discuss what the transaction means to us, and the plans we’ll be talking about with Sam.
We will hold 4 all-employee town hall meetings at the following locations, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend the one most convenient for you. We will have plenty of time for Q&A. Also, we’ll have some refreshments and a chance to visit following each one.
Downtown
Thurs., December 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Auditorium - with live video broadcast to Chatsworth, Inland Empire, Monrovia, Westside, New York, Glendale, and Washington D.C.
Olympic
Friday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Cafeteria
Orange Co.
Monday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Community Room
CCN/Irwindale
Tuesday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Cafeteria
I look forward to seeing you.
David
David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, will pay a visit to our facility this afternoon to give us a clue as to what will be occurring when the Tribune Company sale is completed next week. It could also be a farewell from David as the company transitions from a public company to a private entity. Here’s what David sent out a few days ago.
Folks –
With the FCC action approving our waivers last week, it now looks like we’ll have our transaction completed before the holidays. As I mentioned on my blog yesterday, I visited Sam Zell over the weekend, and it’s fair to say he’s pumped up about the future. For a little more on my conversation with Sam, see my PubBlog (I need the page views J).
As we get ready for this new chapter, I’d like to get together with you all to discuss what the transaction means to us, and the plans we’ll be talking about with Sam.
We will hold 4 all-employee town hall meetings at the following locations, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend the one most convenient for you. We will have plenty of time for Q&A. Also, we’ll have some refreshments and a chance to visit following each one.
Downtown
Thurs., December 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Auditorium - with live video broadcast to Chatsworth, Inland Empire, Monrovia, Westside, New York, Glendale, and Washington D.C.
Olympic
Friday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Cafeteria
Orange Co.
Monday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Community Room
CCN/Irwindale
Tuesday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Cafeteria
I look forward to seeing you.
David
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:37 AM 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday Morning News
Raul Campos and Al Albanes
- Tribune's November Revenue Heads South - Media Post Publications
- Zell: '08 Won't Be So Bad - The Street
- Peanuts, Popcorn, Cold Beer - Illinoize
- FCC Proposes Greater Media Consolidation - Steve Lendman
- Tribune’s Revs Drop 3.3 Percent; Online Up 7.8 Percent - Paid Content
- Reasons I love NY Post headline writers - Michelle Malkin
- Gift Card Grinches Still on LA County Payroll - Kate Coe
- BusinessWeek Reorganizes, Cuts Staff - Folio
- Media and ESOPs - ESOP Foundation
- Subprime crisis 'manageable' - Reuters
- Cuban: Quieter and moving closer to Cubs - CNN Money
- Small Court Set Back For Santa Barbara News-Press - Mayrav Saar
- Pondering Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal - Newsday
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:14 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Save Our Trade: Teamster News
TEAMSTERS QUESTION FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER CONTROL IN TRIBUNE DEAL
Teamsters File Request for Reconsideration
(Washington, D.C.) – Today the International Brotherhood of Teamsters sought reconsideration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision granting the Tribune Company’s [NYSE: TRB] transfer of ownership request and its associated requests for waiver of the Commission’s newspaper/broadcast cross ownership rules.
The deal involves transferring 100% ownership of the Company to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) but provides employee owners no role in the governance of either the ESOP or the operating company. Instead, real estate entrepreneur Sam Zell, who will not have an ownership interest, along with his handpicked Board of Directors and ESOP trustee, will control the company including its fourteen newspapers, twenty-three television stations and one radio station.
"Apparently the FCC was tuned out during its public listening tour," said James P. Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "In its rush to judgment, the Commission has failed to enforce its current rules or protect the public interest."The Teamsters, which represents 2,000 Tribune employees, raised concerns with the FCC about the buyout structure of the Tribune Company. The Teamsters believe the structure violates the FCC’s requirement (Section 310-D of the Communications Act) that stations be controlled by their owners, and not by Sam Zell, a trust established for the benefit of members of his family, and a pre-selected ESOP trustee. This third party ownership violates the FCC’s requirement that stations be controlled by their owners, and undermines the public interest and the FCC’s mission of promoting localism and diversity.
In oral testimony at the Commission’s October 31st public hearing--the last of a series by theagency to consider the impact of broadcast cross ownership rules on localism--the Teamsters alerted the Commission to violations the deal posed. The testimony, a summary of which also was filed in the Tribune proceeding, reads in part:
"This separation of ownership and management is unprecedented and would set a new, and very low, standard for compliance with the Communication Act’s public interest requirements, which are the basis for the localism and diversity principles in broadcasting," said George Tedeschi, International Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and employee of the Tribune’s New York Newsday.
Save Our Trade: Teamster News
TEAMSTERS QUESTION FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER CONTROL IN TRIBUNE DEAL
Teamsters File Request for Reconsideration
(Washington, D.C.) – Today the International Brotherhood of Teamsters sought reconsideration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision granting the Tribune Company’s [NYSE: TRB] transfer of ownership request and its associated requests for waiver of the Commission’s newspaper/broadcast cross ownership rules.
The deal involves transferring 100% ownership of the Company to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) but provides employee owners no role in the governance of either the ESOP or the operating company. Instead, real estate entrepreneur Sam Zell, who will not have an ownership interest, along with his handpicked Board of Directors and ESOP trustee, will control the company including its fourteen newspapers, twenty-three television stations and one radio station.
"Apparently the FCC was tuned out during its public listening tour," said James P. Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "In its rush to judgment, the Commission has failed to enforce its current rules or protect the public interest."The Teamsters, which represents 2,000 Tribune employees, raised concerns with the FCC about the buyout structure of the Tribune Company. The Teamsters believe the structure violates the FCC’s requirement (Section 310-D of the Communications Act) that stations be controlled by their owners, and not by Sam Zell, a trust established for the benefit of members of his family, and a pre-selected ESOP trustee. This third party ownership violates the FCC’s requirement that stations be controlled by their owners, and undermines the public interest and the FCC’s mission of promoting localism and diversity.
In oral testimony at the Commission’s October 31st public hearing--the last of a series by theagency to consider the impact of broadcast cross ownership rules on localism--the Teamsters alerted the Commission to violations the deal posed. The testimony, a summary of which also was filed in the Tribune proceeding, reads in part:
"This separation of ownership and management is unprecedented and would set a new, and very low, standard for compliance with the Communication Act’s public interest requirements, which are the basis for the localism and diversity principles in broadcasting," said George Tedeschi, International Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and employee of the Tribune’s New York Newsday.
Save Our Trade: Teamster News
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:27 PM 0 Comments
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TRIBUNE COMPANY PRESS RELEASE
TRIBUNE COMPANY PRESS RELEASE
December 12, 2007
Tribune Revenues Down 3.3% in November
December 12, 2007
Tribune Revenues Down 3.3% in November
- Publishing Revenues Decline 3.5%
- Broadcasting and Entertainment Revenues Down 2.6%
CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2007 - Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB) today reported its summary of revenues and newspaper advertising volume for period 11, ended Nov. 25, 2007. Consolidated revenues for the period were $413 million, down 3.3 percent from last years $428 million. Consolidated operating expenses were 5.0 percent lower than period 11 last year.
Publishing revenues in November were $309 million compared with $321 million last year, down 3.5 percent. Advertising revenues decreased 4.9 percent to $244 million, compared with $257 million in November 2006. Advertising revenues benefited from the shift in the Thanksgiving holiday week from period 12 in 2006 to period 11 this year.
- Retail advertising revenues increased 7.3 percent with the largest increases in the specialty merchandise, department stores, apparel/fashion and electronics categories. Preprint revenues, which are principally included in retail, were up 18.5 percent for the period.
- National advertising revenues increased 1.9 percent, with the largest increases in the movies, auto, financial and telecom/wireless categories, partially offset by a decrease in the transportation category.
- Classified advertising revenues decreased 26.2 percent. Real estate fell 39.8 percent with the most significant declines in Chicago, the Florida markets, and Los Angeles. Help wanted declined 28.4 percent and automotive decreased 7.6 percent. Interactive revenues, which are primarily included in classified, were $21 million, up 7.8 percent, due to growth in most categories.
Circulation revenues were down 4.6 percent due to single-copy declines and continued selective discounting in home delivery.
Publishing operating expenses in November were down 5.2 percent primarily due to lower newsprint and ink, compensation, promotion and other cash expenses.
Broadcasting and entertainment group revenues in November were $104 million, down 2.6 percent, due to decreases in television group revenue, partially offset by increases in radio/entertainment revenues. Television revenues fell 4.8 percent due to the absence of political advertising, partially offset by strength in several categories including retail, corporate, health, food/packaged goods, telecom and restaurant/fast food.
Broadcasting and entertainment group operating expenses in November declined by 2.7 percent primarily due to lower compensation and other cash expenses.
Consolidated equity income was $11 million in November, up from $8 million in the prior year period.
Tribune expects to complete its disposition of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and related real estate, and its interest in Comcast SportsNet Chicago in the first half of 2008. It plans to use the proceeds to repay existing debt.
As stated previously, the company also expects its going-private transaction to close before the end of Tribunes 2007 fiscal year following satisfaction of the remaining closing conditions, including the receipt of a solvency opinion and completion of the committed financing.
SOURCE: Tribune Company
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:25 PM 3 Comments
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Los Angeles Times Competition Moving In?
The scramble to provide our community with exceptional local news coverage will no doubt heat up when the Los Angeles Times' plan to open a reporter bureau in or near our area gets implemented early next year. From an LAT memo: "The goal is to provide our readers a steady stream of high quality, sophisticated stories that will enliven A-1 and the California section for readers across Southern California."
We want to continue to provide our readers with a steady stream of high quality stories for our readers. We work damn hard every day to do so. But unlike the Tribune-owned LAT staff, we're underpaid, under-staffed and overworked (did we mention underpaid?) so its a constant struggle to cover the stories we know our community wants and needs.
Why is it a daily struggle, you ask? Because our corporate owner is on a consolidate-to-cut-costs mission that has stripped us of the needed resources that help us do our jobs — resources like newsroom support staff who answer newsroom phones, or fact-check or edit our copy — folks who free us up to do what we do best: gather and report the news.
Sure we want a fair and equitable contract with a decent wage and a guarantee that our work stays here rather than outsourced to who-knows-where, but the MediaNews corporate mandate that sucks all profits out of Long Beach (you can hear that big sucking sound all the way to Denver), has left scant resources here and the word is that more cuts will come. Makes it a tough task to chase down and cover the great local stories that are waiting to be told.
We don't want the LAT taking over coverage of stories we and our predecessors have covered in this community for 110 years. But nothing MediaNews has done thus far indicates it will care one way or another. Just show it the money.
SOURCE: The Stress-Telegram
The scramble to provide our community with exceptional local news coverage will no doubt heat up when the Los Angeles Times' plan to open a reporter bureau in or near our area gets implemented early next year. From an LAT memo: "The goal is to provide our readers a steady stream of high quality, sophisticated stories that will enliven A-1 and the California section for readers across Southern California."
We want to continue to provide our readers with a steady stream of high quality stories for our readers. We work damn hard every day to do so. But unlike the Tribune-owned LAT staff, we're underpaid, under-staffed and overworked (did we mention underpaid?) so its a constant struggle to cover the stories we know our community wants and needs.
Why is it a daily struggle, you ask? Because our corporate owner is on a consolidate-to-cut-costs mission that has stripped us of the needed resources that help us do our jobs — resources like newsroom support staff who answer newsroom phones, or fact-check or edit our copy — folks who free us up to do what we do best: gather and report the news.
Sure we want a fair and equitable contract with a decent wage and a guarantee that our work stays here rather than outsourced to who-knows-where, but the MediaNews corporate mandate that sucks all profits out of Long Beach (you can hear that big sucking sound all the way to Denver), has left scant resources here and the word is that more cuts will come. Makes it a tough task to chase down and cover the great local stories that are waiting to be told.
We don't want the LAT taking over coverage of stories we and our predecessors have covered in this community for 110 years. But nothing MediaNews has done thus far indicates it will care one way or another. Just show it the money.
SOURCE: The Stress-Telegram
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:49 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday Morning Linkage
Retired SFV Pressroom Supervisor Leroy Crandall
- Tribune revenue falls 3.3% - Los Angeles Times
- Tribune to dispose of Cubs, Wrigley Field in 2008 - Market Watch
- Tribune Nov. Revenue Slips on Classified - Associated Press
- Back to the future on local coverage - Kevin Roderick
- Tribune revenues down - Mark Lacter
- Remaking The Journal - New York Times
- Few Random Acts Of Hollywood Kindness - Nikki Finke
- Valley Advocate to Join Gazette, Recorder Family - Flash & Yearn
- NY Post Editor Walks Out of Newsroom and Quits - Village Voice
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:09 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Stress-Telegram
As the pressroom negotiating team attempt’s to hammer out a first contract with the Tribune Company, a stubborn foe that is unbending, take a look at our neighbors to the South and what they are going through with Dean Singleton in their negotiations. The Long Beach Press-Telegram is also working on a contract, which is updated on a blog titled The Stress-Telegram, drop in and see what progress they are making in union negotiations.
As the pressroom negotiating team attempt’s to hammer out a first contract with the Tribune Company, a stubborn foe that is unbending, take a look at our neighbors to the South and what they are going through with Dean Singleton in their negotiations. The Long Beach Press-Telegram is also working on a contract, which is updated on a blog titled The Stress-Telegram, drop in and see what progress they are making in union negotiations.posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:41 AM 0 Comments
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Mental Health Directory
Hello and thank you for calling the Looney Bin.
Please select from the following options menu:
If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you.
If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5 and 6.
If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want, stay
on the line so we can trace your call.
If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be forwarded
to the Mother Ship.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice
will tell you which number to press.
If you are manic-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you
press, nothing will make you happy anyway.
If you are dyslexic, press 9696969696969696.
If you are bipolar, please leave a message after the beep or
before the beep or after the beep. Please wait for the beep.
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have
short-term Memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term memory loss,
press 9.
If you have low self-esteem, please hang up. Our operators are
too busy to talk with you.
If you are menopausal, put the gun down, hang up, turn on the
fan, lie down and cry. You won't be crazy forever.
If you are blonde, don't press any buttons. You'll just mess it
up.
This coming week is National Mental Health Care Week. You can
do your part by remembering to contact at least one unstable person to
show you care.
Well, my job is done...your turn.
Please select from the following options menu:
If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you.
If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5 and 6.
If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want, stay
on the line so we can trace your call.
If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be forwarded
to the Mother Ship.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice
will tell you which number to press.
If you are manic-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you
press, nothing will make you happy anyway.
If you are dyslexic, press 9696969696969696.
If you are bipolar, please leave a message after the beep or
before the beep or after the beep. Please wait for the beep.
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have
short-term Memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term memory loss,
press 9.
If you have low self-esteem, please hang up. Our operators are
too busy to talk with you.
If you are menopausal, put the gun down, hang up, turn on the
fan, lie down and cry. You won't be crazy forever.
If you are blonde, don't press any buttons. You'll just mess it
up.
This coming week is National Mental Health Care Week. You can
do your part by remembering to contact at least one unstable person to
show you care.
Well, my job is done...your turn.
posted by Nubia |
¶ 10:31 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday Morning News
To view additional older pictures click here
- Criticism of the FCC's chairman is widely aired - Los Angeles Times
- Welcome To AMPTP.com (not AMPTP.org) - Nikki Finke
- Is the Wall Street Journal Worth It? - David Von Drehle
- FCC Chairman Gives In To Big Media - Uprising
- Muckraking Pays, Just Not in Profit - New York Times
- Who’s Hiring In Newspapers? - Meta Printer
- 14 Year Old Girl Killed, Story Ignored by News - David Markland
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:24 AM 0 Comments
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The Dancing Executives
In an attempt to keep the Christmas spirit on the lighter side follow this link to be entertained by Dennis FitzSimons, David Hiller, Sam Zell, and Ed Padgett.
In an attempt to keep the Christmas spirit on the lighter side follow this link to be entertained by Dennis FitzSimons, David Hiller, Sam Zell, and Ed Padgett.posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:07 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, December 10, 2007
Writer Impossible: "The Workshop Writer"
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Writer Impossible: "The Workshop Writer"
Make sure that it's not the taking of workshops that makes you identify yourself as a writer, but the reward of steadily working on your own --doing it everyday, learning, improving and finishing a piece.
Make sure that it's not the taking of workshops that makes you identify yourself as a writer, but the reward of steadily working on your own --doing it everyday, learning, improving and finishing a piece.
posted by Kanani |
¶ 11:24 PM 0 Comments
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Save Our Trade: WELL ISN'T THAT INTERESTING
By C. RENEY
I KNOW A LOT OF OUR COWORKERS ARE WAITING FOR NEWS REGARDING THE NEGOTIATIONS ! WELL WE FOUND OUT THAT WE (THE LOS ANGELES TIMES) ARE SEPARATE FROM THE TRIBUNE FAMILY AND IN CHICAGO AND ELSEWHERE THE NEWS PAPER MUST BE MADE VERY DIFFERENTLY. DOES ANY BODY REMEMBER THE VISIT FROM A REP.FROM MANPOWER?DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN WE BECAME F.T.E'S THAT'S THE WAY ITS BEEN GOING. JUST SHORT OF BEING ACCUSED OF TRYING TO BURDEN THE COMPANY BY BEING COSTLY AND HAVING NO FLEXIBILITY. IN OTHER WORDS BASICALLY THE WORDS OF NEGOTIATING IN GOOD FAITH HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT MEANING TO TO THE TRIBUNE THEN WHAT I THOUGHT IT MEANT. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE NOW IS THE TIME WE AS COWORKERS, FRIENDS, LONG TIME ASSOCIATES HAVE TO COME TOGETHER SET OUR DIFFERENCES ASIDE.THE CLIMATE OF THE CORPORATE WORLD IS AS SUCH WE THE WORKERS HAVE BECOME A DISPOSABLE TOOL TO BE USED AND REPLACED AS NEEDED. THE ONLY HOPE WE HAVE TO KEEP SOME RESEMBLANCE OF DIGNITY IS TO BECOME ONE VOICE AND STAND UP FOR ONE ANOTHER. I WISH I HAD SOME GOOD NEWS BUT THIS IS A VERY TEDIOUS PROCESS PLEASE BE PATIENT AT LEAST FOR NOW THE LOSSES OR CHANGES ARE SLOWED. THANK YOU
WELL ISN'T THAT INTERESTING
I KNOW A LOT OF OUR COWORKERS ARE WAITING FOR NEWS REGARDING THE NEGOTIATIONS ! WELL WE FOUND OUT THAT WE (THE LOS ANGELES TIMES) ARE SEPARATE FROM THE TRIBUNE FAMILY AND IN CHICAGO AND ELSEWHERE THE NEWS PAPER MUST BE MADE VERY DIFFERENTLY. DOES ANY BODY REMEMBER THE VISIT FROM A REP.FROM MANPOWER?DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN WE BECAME F.T.E'S THAT'S THE WAY ITS BEEN GOING. JUST SHORT OF BEING ACCUSED OF TRYING TO BURDEN THE COMPANY BY BEING COSTLY AND HAVING NO FLEXIBILITY. IN OTHER WORDS BASICALLY THE WORDS OF NEGOTIATING IN GOOD FAITH HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT MEANING TO TO THE TRIBUNE THEN WHAT I THOUGHT IT MEANT. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE NOW IS THE TIME WE AS COWORKERS, FRIENDS, LONG TIME ASSOCIATES HAVE TO COME TOGETHER SET OUR DIFFERENCES ASIDE.THE CLIMATE OF THE CORPORATE WORLD IS AS SUCH WE THE WORKERS HAVE BECOME A DISPOSABLE TOOL TO BE USED AND REPLACED AS NEEDED. THE ONLY HOPE WE HAVE TO KEEP SOME RESEMBLANCE OF DIGNITY IS TO BECOME ONE VOICE AND STAND UP FOR ONE ANOTHER. I WISH I HAD SOME GOOD NEWS BUT THIS IS A VERY TEDIOUS PROCESS PLEASE BE PATIENT AT LEAST FOR NOW THE LOSSES OR CHANGES ARE SLOWED. THANK YOU
WELL ISN'T THAT INTERESTING
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:51 PM 1 Comments
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Sunday, December 09, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Friday Morning Media Links
Orange County Pressroom Supervisor Misty Griffin
- Pearl Harbor: 66 years - Michelle Malkin
- How Solvent Is Tribune Co.? - Wall Street Journal
- Obstacles lifted, Tribune Co. sale nears finish line - Los Angeles Times
- Tribune buyout contingent on solvency opinion - Blogging Stocks
- Los Angeles Times Takes Equity Stake In Mixx... - Internet Financial News
- New year's ball dropping early for journalists - Chicago Tribune
- Belo CEO pitches company's spinoff proposal to Wall Street - Dallas Morning
- Will going super-local on the Web strengthen the paper? - The Phoenix
- Employers are desperate about health care costs - Jim Sabin
- Talks Day #7: AMPTP "Stalling Tactics" - Nikki Finke
- Helping Journalists Take the Jump - Westword
- From 'Front Page' to Internet - Cincinnati Post
- Despite Advertising Woes, Publishers Put Hope Online - Realestate Talk
- Bancrofts Bicker,Miss a Deadline,Lose Board Choice - WS Journal
- California's Hickiest Town - Claremont Insider
- Class of 2008 McCormick Tribune Fellows - McCormick-Tribune
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:11 AM 0 Comments
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Save Our Trade: consistently inconsistent pressmen
by Keith Denson
You pressmen who are sitting back watching the show going on are only further enabling this company to believe through our actions that they can do just about what they want. Step up and stand for something once in your life, you are constantly talking about wrongs done in the pressroom but have no balls to even wear a doggone shirt or take your whole lunch. That ten or fifteen minute bustout means more to you than your families security. None of us have any real security they can ignore seniority or do anything to us because of you wishy washy grown ass men. Wake up brothers and sisters don't let this chance we have, maybe our last chance to better our lives with Teamter support pass us bye. This union is only as solid as we want it to be, stop cheating yourself. We all have given a large part of our lives being a part of this once proud bird, enduring horrible shifts, holidays at work instead of with families. I think we deserve alot more than we get, don't you? You don't have to walk around in fear you know the rules go by the letter, you should be anyhow man this is America land of the free. We are only as strong as you individually want to be. Together we stand divided we fall. Show support for the union get off the wall. Stand up!
Save Our Trade: consistently inconsistent pressmen
You pressmen who are sitting back watching the show going on are only further enabling this company to believe through our actions that they can do just about what they want. Step up and stand for something once in your life, you are constantly talking about wrongs done in the pressroom but have no balls to even wear a doggone shirt or take your whole lunch. That ten or fifteen minute bustout means more to you than your families security. None of us have any real security they can ignore seniority or do anything to us because of you wishy washy grown ass men. Wake up brothers and sisters don't let this chance we have, maybe our last chance to better our lives with Teamter support pass us bye. This union is only as solid as we want it to be, stop cheating yourself. We all have given a large part of our lives being a part of this once proud bird, enduring horrible shifts, holidays at work instead of with families. I think we deserve alot more than we get, don't you? You don't have to walk around in fear you know the rules go by the letter, you should be anyhow man this is America land of the free. We are only as strong as you individually want to be. Together we stand divided we fall. Show support for the union get off the wall. Stand up!
Save Our Trade: consistently inconsistent pressmen
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:13 AM 2 Comments
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Thursday, December 06, 2007
A Mother Thinks Of Her Missing Son
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Happy Christmas, Andy
by guest blogger, Melanie O.
"Andy went missing again. He seems to find this time of year especially difficult. As a child, we could manage him with some disciplinary action whenever he "acted up" over the Christmas season, but now that he's a grown adult, he seems to answer to no one. Not even the people who try their hardest to help him: clergymen, therapists, doctors, and other family members."
by guest blogger, Melanie O.
"Andy went missing again. He seems to find this time of year especially difficult. As a child, we could manage him with some disciplinary action whenever he "acted up" over the Christmas season, but now that he's a grown adult, he seems to answer to no one. Not even the people who try their hardest to help him: clergymen, therapists, doctors, and other family members."
posted by Kanani |
¶ 10:12 PM 0 Comments
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Suburban Chicago Daily Herald freezes pays
Memo from Suburban Chicago Daily Herald publisher Doug Ray
To: All Staff
From: Doug Ray
Date: December 4, 2007
Re: Operational update
As we enter the final weeks of the year, I want to bring you up to date on Paddock's financial performance this year and the outlook for 2008. Our newspaper and every newspaper company in the country are in the midst of structural changes. Newspaper display and classified advertising dollars have fallen to levels not seen since the severe recession of early 2000. Looking ahead to next year, we expect a continuation of the revenue situation in these core areas of advertising.
The budget which we will present to the Paddock Board of Directors next week will reflect this trend in display and classified. The good news in next year's revenue outlook is in the Internet and niche products divisions. Strong revenue growth this year will be followed by more next year, although not enough to offset the print-side losses.
On line is a major part of our future. Paddock's partnership with newspapers in the Yahoo! consortium will drive new revenue opportunities, along with an aggressive sales plan which will bring significant numbers of local merchants to our Web site.
As well, new products are being developed through the "Jobs To Be Done" Newspaper Next innovation model. Eileen Brown and department managers and staff are interviewing customers and potential customers to determine informational needs and to create solutions for them. There have been early successes, with several profitable revenue products created as a result of this problem-solving process.
The longer-term outlook remains challenging. The question is when will the inflection point take place in which Internet and other revenues offset the decline in traditional newspaper advertising categories. Until that happens, the cost basis of the company must balance with the revenue declines. As you know, earlier this year the workforce was reduced through restructuring and reengineering. As well, salary increases were frozen and the salaries of all employees were reduced by five percent. These measures have stabilized the company.
However, as we prepare the 2008 budget, it has become apparent that continuing cost reductions are needed to offset expected advertising revenue declines. As a result, the five percent pay reduction affecting all employees will be made permanent. We had hoped for a different outcome, but we believe this is the most prudent course of action. Rather than allowing this issue to linger, we are announcing the pay reduction now so that the company and you can plan for next year.
This was a difficult decision, but one that hopefully will eliminate the need for another round of layoffs and other significant cost cutting which I believe would have a more negative impact on operations and staff.
To help counterbalance the five percent pay reduction, pay increases, frozen since August, will be reinstated and made retroactive. As you know, all full-time employees will receive an extra week of paid vacation in 2008, beginning July 1, and part-time employees on a pro rata basis.
As I have held meetings recently in the office center and in outlying offices to answer employee questions, some of you have indicated concern about the future. Again, I want to tell you that I am optimistic, primarily because of Paddock's talented work force committed to change and innovation and resolved to emerge from this transition stronger than ever.
Thank you for your extra effort, understanding and your commitment to the company.
To: All Staff
From: Doug Ray
Date: December 4, 2007
Re: Operational update
As we enter the final weeks of the year, I want to bring you up to date on Paddock's financial performance this year and the outlook for 2008. Our newspaper and every newspaper company in the country are in the midst of structural changes. Newspaper display and classified advertising dollars have fallen to levels not seen since the severe recession of early 2000. Looking ahead to next year, we expect a continuation of the revenue situation in these core areas of advertising.
The budget which we will present to the Paddock Board of Directors next week will reflect this trend in display and classified. The good news in next year's revenue outlook is in the Internet and niche products divisions. Strong revenue growth this year will be followed by more next year, although not enough to offset the print-side losses.
On line is a major part of our future. Paddock's partnership with newspapers in the Yahoo! consortium will drive new revenue opportunities, along with an aggressive sales plan which will bring significant numbers of local merchants to our Web site.
As well, new products are being developed through the "Jobs To Be Done" Newspaper Next innovation model. Eileen Brown and department managers and staff are interviewing customers and potential customers to determine informational needs and to create solutions for them. There have been early successes, with several profitable revenue products created as a result of this problem-solving process.
The longer-term outlook remains challenging. The question is when will the inflection point take place in which Internet and other revenues offset the decline in traditional newspaper advertising categories. Until that happens, the cost basis of the company must balance with the revenue declines. As you know, earlier this year the workforce was reduced through restructuring and reengineering. As well, salary increases were frozen and the salaries of all employees were reduced by five percent. These measures have stabilized the company.
However, as we prepare the 2008 budget, it has become apparent that continuing cost reductions are needed to offset expected advertising revenue declines. As a result, the five percent pay reduction affecting all employees will be made permanent. We had hoped for a different outcome, but we believe this is the most prudent course of action. Rather than allowing this issue to linger, we are announcing the pay reduction now so that the company and you can plan for next year.
This was a difficult decision, but one that hopefully will eliminate the need for another round of layoffs and other significant cost cutting which I believe would have a more negative impact on operations and staff.
To help counterbalance the five percent pay reduction, pay increases, frozen since August, will be reinstated and made retroactive. As you know, all full-time employees will receive an extra week of paid vacation in 2008, beginning July 1, and part-time employees on a pro rata basis.
As I have held meetings recently in the office center and in outlying offices to answer employee questions, some of you have indicated concern about the future. Again, I want to tell you that I am optimistic, primarily because of Paddock's talented work force committed to change and innovation and resolved to emerge from this transition stronger than ever.
Thank you for your extra effort, understanding and your commitment to the company.
SOURCE: Poynter Online
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:52 PM 0 Comments
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Electronic Village: Wichita Police 'Regret' Using Taser on Innocent Deaf Man
Wichita Deputy Police Chief Robert Lee is getting negative feedback from the afrosphere and around the globe for the unwarranted use of a taser gun on Donnell Williams ... an innocent, unarmed, naked nubian inside his own home. Deputy Chief Lee wants to assure people they are looking into the incident. "We regret it. I know he does and our goal is to learn from it, to see if there's anything we need to do to make sure it doesn't happen again," says Lee.
The police plan to meet later this week with a group representing deaf and hearing impaired people. The department has also opened a full investigation into the officers' actions as a result of support provided to Donnell Williams by the Wichita NAACP. There will be a civil rights lawsuit filed with Justice Department in the next few days.
Wichita Police 'Regret' Using Taser on Innocent Deaf Man
The police plan to meet later this week with a group representing deaf and hearing impaired people. The department has also opened a full investigation into the officers' actions as a result of support provided to Donnell Williams by the Wichita NAACP. There will be a civil rights lawsuit filed with Justice Department in the next few days.
Wichita Police 'Regret' Using Taser on Innocent Deaf Man
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:30 PM 0 Comments
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Dr. Hollydale in the House
I entered the room, and found the patient laying in the hospital bed. "What should we do, Dr. Hollydale?" everyone was screaming at me. "Give the little brat an aspirin, and send him back to school", I said. I hate snotty nosed kids.
I turned to head out the door.
Suddenly, a thin rope started emerging from the kids mouth. Hmmm, must be a colosticanal embolism with subdural drawstrings.
I started to pull at the rope, and shockingly, it effortlessly emerged with what seemed to be no end.
Susan, run cardio pulmonary massage treatment - STAT!!! The kid smiled and said, "Bring it on sister!" I had to laugh, and admittedly cared just a little bit about his well being now.
As I tugged on the rope, I had to run down the hallway, and out into the parking lot. It just kept on getting longer, so I tied it to the roof of my car and drove home. My pager went off, and Susan said that I had saved another life.
"Who cares", I replied. I can't find my morphine.
I entered the room, and found the patient laying in the hospital bed. "What should we do, Dr. Hollydale?" everyone was screaming at me. "Give the little brat an aspirin, and send him back to school", I said. I hate snotty nosed kids.I turned to head out the door.
Suddenly, a thin rope started emerging from the kids mouth. Hmmm, must be a colosticanal embolism with subdural drawstrings.
I started to pull at the rope, and shockingly, it effortlessly emerged with what seemed to be no end.
Susan, run cardio pulmonary massage treatment - STAT!!! The kid smiled and said, "Bring it on sister!" I had to laugh, and admittedly cared just a little bit about his well being now.
As I tugged on the rope, I had to run down the hallway, and out into the parking lot. It just kept on getting longer, so I tied it to the roof of my car and drove home. My pager went off, and Susan said that I had saved another life.
"Who cares", I replied. I can't find my morphine.
Labels: Dr., hospital, house, Speedcat Hollydale
posted by Speedcat Hollydale |
¶ 11:59 AM 0 Comments
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Thursday Morning News
Olympic Machine Shop Head Tony Dominguez
- Tribune says to reduce borrowings by $500 mln - Reuters
- Tribune shares jump as company plans to cut debt - Market Watch
- Tribune to Use $500M Cash to Reduce Buyout Loans - Associated Press
- Tribune Intends to Use Cash to Reduce Bridge Loan - PR Newswire
- Tribune Takes FCC Waiver Decision to Court - Broadcasting & Cable
- NBC PLANS MAJOR CUTS HOPING TO SAVE MILLIONS - NY Post
- Watch the Box: New Hosts, Branded Entertainment - Kate Coe
- "Speechless" #20: Woody Allen - Nikki Finke
- Shopping mall horror in Omaha: 9 murdered, shooter dead - Michelle Malkin
- Watching What You See on the Web - Wall Street Journal
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:38 AM 1 Comments
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Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Happy Christmas, Andy
by Melanie O.
Andy went missing again. He seems to find this time of year especially difficult. As a child, we could manage him with some disciplinary action whenever he "acted up" over the Christmas season, but now that he's a grown adult, he seems to answer to no one. Not even the people who try their hardest to help him: clergymen, therapists, doctors, and other family members.
My mother discovered where he was, after receiving a call from a social worker in Raleigh, North Carolina, where we used to live. He was hospitalized again - the third time in a year - and is now living at the homeless men's shelter there. He has Bipolar disease and other personality disorders, but regularly allows my mother to be notified of his whereabouts. I shudder to think what would happen, if something happened to her. She is the lifeline between my son and me. Not because there is enmity between Andy and myself – but because I am half a planet away.
Continue reading Melanie O. by clicking on link below.
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Happy Christmas, Andy
Andy went missing again. He seems to find this time of year especially difficult. As a child, we could manage him with some disciplinary action whenever he "acted up" over the Christmas season, but now that he's a grown adult, he seems to answer to no one. Not even the people who try their hardest to help him: clergymen, therapists, doctors, and other family members.
My mother discovered where he was, after receiving a call from a social worker in Raleigh, North Carolina, where we used to live. He was hospitalized again - the third time in a year - and is now living at the homeless men's shelter there. He has Bipolar disease and other personality disorders, but regularly allows my mother to be notified of his whereabouts. I shudder to think what would happen, if something happened to her. She is the lifeline between my son and me. Not because there is enmity between Andy and myself – but because I am half a planet away.
Continue reading Melanie O. by clicking on link below.
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Happy Christmas, Andy
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:26 AM 0 Comments
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History at the Los Angeles Times in Pictures
Two weeks ago I discovered Flickr, and if you have taken the time to look around our collection, you can see I have uploaded over two thousand photographs with many thousands remaining to be added to the collection. Chuck Hart dropped an envelope off at my press yesterday, stuffed full of older pictures, which will be scanned and uploaded as quickly as possible. If you can identify the men and women in the pictures, please add a comment to each picture on Flickr, thank you in advance.
Reminder, to enlarge picture, click on it.
Two weeks ago I discovered Flickr, and if you have taken the time to look around our collection, you can see I have uploaded over two thousand photographs with many thousands remaining to be added to the collection. Chuck Hart dropped an envelope off at my press yesterday, stuffed full of older pictures, which will be scanned and uploaded as quickly as possible. If you can identify the men and women in the pictures, please add a comment to each picture on Flickr, thank you in advance.
Reminder, to enlarge picture, click on it.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:09 AM 0 Comments
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All Doubt Removed
Tuesday morning as I scanned my usual news sources I ran across a story regarding Senator Trent Lott’s attempt to stall the FCC waivers granted to the Tribune Company for an additional six months. As I watched the Tribune stock price erode this week, I actually thought the U.S. Senate had some muscle. But, the Tribune stock has shot up like a rocket this morning after the company announced a reduction of $500 million in debt, so the deal will indeed be consummated.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:29 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Wednesday Morning Linkage
Otis Miller, Raul Compos, Bill Conover, Jim Hathaway, and Dennis Rios
- Union-Tribune Cutting More Newsroom Employees - Voice of San Diego
- Talks Day #5: "Questions & Haggling" - Nikki Finke
- Bill to Delay Broadcast-Newspaper Combos - Associated Press
- Employers Tell Workers To Get Healthy or Pay Up - Wall Street Journal
- FCC makes billionaire a media grandfather - Mini Media Guy
- Use Arbitrage! The Tribune Company Example - fWallstreet
- The New York Times: Not Worth It - Street Capitalist
- Why Mark Cuban Should Own the Chicago Cubs - Bleacher Report
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:30 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Personal Mail at Olympic Facility
As we head into the holidays, increased demands on the Mailroom and Shipping & Receiving employees make it necessary to clarify the policy regarding company mail services:
- Employees should not have personal mail sent to the work site.
- Employees should not have packages (including Federal Express, DHL, UPS, Airborne, etc.) sent to the work site.
- Any and all incoming mail will be screened initially in the mailroom.
- Any and all packages will continue to be processed through Shipping & Receiving where they are x-rayed and inspected for suspicious content, but not opened.
Please have all personal mail, packages, etc. delivered directly to your home address.
We thank you for your understanding of and adherence to this policy.
FACILITIES DEPARTMENT
Editors Note: Owen Brennan Sr. brought his returned mail to Olympic, to our last dinner wondering if the address had changed, because his mail to me was returned to sender. I guess I will have all further mail from club members directed to my home address in the future.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:24 PM 0 Comments
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Mean Kitty and the Witch Doctor
Hi everyone, how are you doing?
posted by Kanani |
¶ 10:19 AM 0 Comments
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What's Going on with Tribune Stock
I took it for granted the Tribune Company stock would jump to $34.00 per share on Monday, yet the stock retreated yesterday and today. I’m assuming we will have to wait till the fat lady sings before the stock closes at the predetermined price on the sale of the company?
I took it for granted the Tribune Company stock would jump to $34.00 per share on Monday, yet the stock retreated yesterday and today. I’m assuming we will have to wait till the fat lady sings before the stock closes at the predetermined price on the sale of the company?
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:00 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, December 03, 2007
Monday Morning Media News
Bill Conover and John Cooper
- FCC Grants Transfer of Control of Tribune - Benton Foundation
- Biggest hurdles await Tribune - Chicago Tribune
- LAT hires a couple of bloggers - Kevin Roderick
- Tony Pierce Hired as LA Times Blogmaster - Kate Coe
- The Gray Lady: Pennies for Dollars? - Competing For Customers
- The Decline Of The Critic - Courant
- Layoffs At New York Times - Fishbowl New York
- CNN: Corrupt News Network - Tim Rutten
- Indy Photographer in Contempt of Court - Santa Barbara Independent
- Nine Questions for Publishers - Content Bridges
- Newspaper union stages rally - Herald-Leader
- Net to become third biggest ad medium - The Guardian
- Ownership Waivers All Around - Broadcast Law Blog
- How an electronic newspaper could become profitable - Crosscut Seattle
- Weaker economy bad for buyouts - Reuters
- TRIBUNE COMPANY FORM 8-K - Edgar Online
- News reporting faces web challenge, warns NYT editor - Guardian
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:44 AM 2 Comments
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Payroll's unfair policy
From John Cooper Olympic Pressman
When I first went on disability in February I was told that the first week wasn't covered by insurance so the company was going to use my five sick days, which they did. As it turned out, workman's comp. paid from day one and I didn't realize it because I don't know just how much they pay. When this came to light four months later in June, I was told that the Times was taking five days pay out of my next paycheck and giving me my sick days back. I said that they should only take out two days pay as I had used three sick days in the meantime, which were not paid as my five sick days had already been used evidently in error. I was told that they would take back all five days first and then get me paid for the three I had used. The very next paycheck was about half my normal pay as the five days pay was deducted. I mentioned that now I was still due three days sick pay and was told that it would be taken care of. I went on a three-week vacation and when I came back they still hadn't paid me in the two paychecks I received. When I brought this to the attention of the office secretary she said something about not understanding correctly and that it was too late because it could only be corrected within the same pay period. My sick days were in late May and mid June and this was August 1st. I went to human resources and they notified payroll. A week later I went back to human resources and was told they received an e-mail from the supervisor of payroll saying that it was not their policy to go back and make these changes. I asked why they could go back four months when I owed them money but they couldn't go back two months when they owed me money, especially when it was their error. I haven't heard back on that one yet. Please ALERT other employees of this unfair practice so it won't happen to them.
John Cooper
Postscript; I received the pay due to me finally on November 23rd, BUT this was ONLY done because the UNION had brought this situation to the bargaining table two times and then I talked to MR. Russ Newton about it. Russ told me the very next day that I would receive the money due me. For fellow employees who do not know Russ, he is the VICE PRESIDENT of all operations and that is how high I had to go to get this resolved as well as the UNION"S input. Again, employees watch your pay stubs carefully!
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:20 AM 0 Comments
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
Take Back the Times: Mr. Zell: Owning A Paper Is Not All Making Money
By Ken Reich
Now that it appears its lobbying in Washington has paid off, and the FCC will clear the way for Sam Zell to assume ownership of the Tribune Co., and its largest newspaper property, the L.A. Times, I think it's important to raise again the issue of control by Zell over editorial policy.
So far, the Chicago real estate magnate and part time Malibu resident has steadfastly proclaimed that he will keep hands off the editorial pages. He makes it sound like his only interest is making money.
But, Mr. Zell, there is more to newspapering than that. Owning a newspaper is a public trust, and it is not only appropriate in my view, it is desirable, that you, as owner, try to influence your papers in constructive directions, as you understand what those directions to be. The way Abraham Lincoln once put it was "firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right."
This is particularly the case with you, the son of Jewish immigrants to the U.S. (your parents got out of Poland just weeks before Hitler took over) and a major contributor to educational institutions in Israel and other Israeli charities.
To continue reading Ken, click on the blue link below.
Mr. Zell: Owning A Paper Is Not All Making Money
By Ken Reich
Now that it appears its lobbying in Washington has paid off, and the FCC will clear the way for Sam Zell to assume ownership of the Tribune Co., and its largest newspaper property, the L.A. Times, I think it's important to raise again the issue of control by Zell over editorial policy.
So far, the Chicago real estate magnate and part time Malibu resident has steadfastly proclaimed that he will keep hands off the editorial pages. He makes it sound like his only interest is making money.
But, Mr. Zell, there is more to newspapering than that. Owning a newspaper is a public trust, and it is not only appropriate in my view, it is desirable, that you, as owner, try to influence your papers in constructive directions, as you understand what those directions to be. The way Abraham Lincoln once put it was "firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right."
This is particularly the case with you, the son of Jewish immigrants to the U.S. (your parents got out of Poland just weeks before Hitler took over) and a major contributor to educational institutions in Israel and other Israeli charities.
To continue reading Ken, click on the blue link below.
Mr. Zell: Owning A Paper Is Not All Making Money
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 12:43 PM 0 Comments
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Save Our Trade: Unsettling Settlement Dis-Agreement!
By Ronnie Pineda
Greeting's Brothers and Sisters.
Negotiations began exactly one month ago today and we have met with management three times during this period. We are scheduled to meet again in a week on December 5th and 6th.Alot has been accomplished and nothing has been accomplished. Confused? That's what management wants. I was hesitant to post anything until giving the negotiations an opportunity to get on the right path. The company is on a different path all together and continues to show that they are as out of touch as ever with their employees and their employees needs. That is why WE need to fight for what is in our best interest.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement approved by NLRB Regional Director James Small, the company declared:
"We Will Not" discriminate against our employees by ceasing to award meal tickets for work performance or by changing our current practice of permitting employees to"LEAVE EARLY" when the work we assign to them is completed, because our employees supported and/or assisted the Union.
They also declared "We Will" continue our practice of permitting employees to leave early when the work we assign to them is completed.
The ink on this settlement between the company and the NLRB has barely dried, yet Walker and the company have intentionally and arrogantly ignored THE AGREEMENT. We filed Unfair Labor Practice charges informing the NLRB that as a result of certification, unilateral changes intended to punish us for voting for representation were being made in violation of our rights under section 7 of the NLRA. The NLRB was preparing to charge the company with violating our rights, so as to avoid the charge, the settlement was proposed by the company and we signed on because we believed that the company would obey the law and abide by the settlement agreements, it's obvious to our brothers and sisters in L.A. that they have no intention.
In our few negotiation sessions, the committee attempted to resolve the matter of washing blankets twice in a shift, and informed management that we view this unilateral change as retaliation and in violation of the settlement agreement because it extends the work hours and punishes the bargaining unit by not allowing employees to leave early at the end of their run as we have done for decades. We have never washed twice, it was either before or after a run and management knows this fact because of all the arguments we have had over the years as to when washing is best, before or after. We have ran multiple runs without washing and because of this time honored practice, having to wash twice clearly is a form of retaliation. Those attempts for resolution by the committee have been intentionally ignored as well.
Another way the settlement and our rights are being blatantly ignored, and the bargaining unit punished, is by the new procedure of having crews "change over" and stand by until all other production is complete, never producing a single newspaper, at expense and unnecessary cost to the company.
Continue reading Ronnie Pineta by following the blue link below.
Unsettling Settlement Dis-Agreement!
By Ronnie Pineda
Greeting's Brothers and Sisters.
Negotiations began exactly one month ago today and we have met with management three times during this period. We are scheduled to meet again in a week on December 5th and 6th.Alot has been accomplished and nothing has been accomplished. Confused? That's what management wants. I was hesitant to post anything until giving the negotiations an opportunity to get on the right path. The company is on a different path all together and continues to show that they are as out of touch as ever with their employees and their employees needs. That is why WE need to fight for what is in our best interest.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement approved by NLRB Regional Director James Small, the company declared:
"We Will Not" discriminate against our employees by ceasing to award meal tickets for work performance or by changing our current practice of permitting employees to"LEAVE EARLY" when the work we assign to them is completed, because our employees supported and/or assisted the Union.
They also declared "We Will" continue our practice of permitting employees to leave early when the work we assign to them is completed.
The ink on this settlement between the company and the NLRB has barely dried, yet Walker and the company have intentionally and arrogantly ignored THE AGREEMENT. We filed Unfair Labor Practice charges informing the NLRB that as a result of certification, unilateral changes intended to punish us for voting for representation were being made in violation of our rights under section 7 of the NLRA. The NLRB was preparing to charge the company with violating our rights, so as to avoid the charge, the settlement was proposed by the company and we signed on because we believed that the company would obey the law and abide by the settlement agreements, it's obvious to our brothers and sisters in L.A. that they have no intention.
In our few negotiation sessions, the committee attempted to resolve the matter of washing blankets twice in a shift, and informed management that we view this unilateral change as retaliation and in violation of the settlement agreement because it extends the work hours and punishes the bargaining unit by not allowing employees to leave early at the end of their run as we have done for decades. We have never washed twice, it was either before or after a run and management knows this fact because of all the arguments we have had over the years as to when washing is best, before or after. We have ran multiple runs without washing and because of this time honored practice, having to wash twice clearly is a form of retaliation. Those attempts for resolution by the committee have been intentionally ignored as well.
Another way the settlement and our rights are being blatantly ignored, and the bargaining unit punished, is by the new procedure of having crews "change over" and stand by until all other production is complete, never producing a single newspaper, at expense and unnecessary cost to the company.
Continue reading Ronnie Pineta by following the blue link below.
Unsettling Settlement Dis-Agreement!
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:44 AM 0 Comments
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Tribune Company Sale on Track
Yesterday the FCC granted Sam Zell the waivers needed to complete the takeover of the Tribune Company by the end of this year. Over the next two years the FCC will either revoke owning media outlets in the same city, or Sam Zell will break the company into several companies and sell off properties that are not producing enough income and also aid the payoff of the tremendous debt.
One group is seldom mentioned in the flurry of articles regarding the takeover of the Tribune Company, the employees of the company. As an employee of the Tribune Company I have to admit I do not comprehend much of how this transaction will affect my colleagues and myself. We have been reassured many times our retirement funds are protected, I guess we will have to hang on for this wild ride and hope for the best outcome.
Dennis FitzSimons said the transaction would take twenty days to be completed, so I’m assuming this means business days, which would close the transaction on December 28th, 2007.
Yesterday the FCC granted Sam Zell the waivers needed to complete the takeover of the Tribune Company by the end of this year. Over the next two years the FCC will either revoke owning media outlets in the same city, or Sam Zell will break the company into several companies and sell off properties that are not producing enough income and also aid the payoff of the tremendous debt.
One group is seldom mentioned in the flurry of articles regarding the takeover of the Tribune Company, the employees of the company. As an employee of the Tribune Company I have to admit I do not comprehend much of how this transaction will affect my colleagues and myself. We have been reassured many times our retirement funds are protected, I guess we will have to hang on for this wild ride and hope for the best outcome.
Dennis FitzSimons said the transaction would take twenty days to be completed, so I’m assuming this means business days, which would close the transaction on December 28th, 2007.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:51 AM 0 Comments
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