Thursday, December 21, 2006

Thursday Morning News

People should care what Bloggers say
The decision by Time magazine to name "you" as the 2006 "Person of the Year" really bugs George Will -- especially because it gives props to all of the narcissists who he thinks own the blogosphere.

Strupp's Top 10 Newspaper Industry Stories of 2006
NEW YORK (December 20, 2006) -- As always, the newspaper industry had more than its share of ups, downs and, well, more downs. Still, the newsprint kept unrolling, and, more importantly, the Web sites kept growing. Jobs were cut, deals made, and some press freedoms were protected while others were lost. YouTube was the craze of the year.

Chandlers present at Tribune meetings
Representatives from California's Chandler family visited Chicago on Tuesday to attend presentations for suitors in the auction for Tribune Co., said two sources with knowledge of the situation.The Chandlers appear to be working with one or more of the private-equity firms that have shown interest in bidding for Tribune, the sources said.

Tribune makes a pitch to 2 local magnates
Representatives of Tribune Co. on Wednesday presented detailed information about the media company and its largest unit, the Los Angeles Times, to representatives of two local magnates who have expressed interest in buying the company.Participants in the morning session in downtown Los Angeles said it was unclear whether the presentation would push Eli Broad and Ron Burkle any closer to making a formal offer for Tribune. The duo earlier made a joint, nonbinding bid for the Chicago-based company.

Bee recalling L.A., S.F. reporters, offers 'separations'
The Sacramento Bee this week offered "voluntary separations" to at least four reporters, including three who cover beats outside Greater Sacramento, and could offer such deals to almost 3 percent of editorial employees.
"There are no layoffs that are in play at this point," said Sacramento Bee spokesman Steven Weiss. "This is not an across-the-board buy-out in the newsroom."

Sacramento Bee closing LA, SF bureaus
The Sacramento Bee announced today it is closing its bureaus in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Hearst asks some employees for blood
We don't know if this program has reached the Hearst-owned San Francisco Chronicle, but workers at Hearst's Houston Chronicle are being asked to provide blood samples in return for lower health insurance premiums.

Judge won't delay Guardian trial
A judge has refused to delay the start of the trial in the Bay Guardian's lawsuit against the owner of the SF Weekly and East Bay Express.

1 comment:

Kanani said...

Wow... what a mixed bag.
Asking for blood? I thought newspaper employees already did that!