By Dennis McDougalIN THESE PAGES, Otis Chandler opened up himself and his family to an outsider's extensive scrutiny for the first time. Otis knew from the outset that he might not always be pleased with my conclusions, and would surely have changed some of the less flattering anecdotes and characterizations had this been his autobiogra- phy or even an "authorized" biography with all the pulled punches that such a phrase implies. The telling of part of his tale—including the breakup of his first marriage, the unforeseen tragedy that befell his eldest son, and his ambivalence about losing control of his Los Angeles Times—was visibly painful for him to dis- cuss. To his credit, he answered questions even when he did not want them asked in the first place. Though frequently tempted otherwise, Otis was ultimately true to the Jeffersonian principles of Western journalism by which he has conducted most of his professional life: try to tell the truth and let the chips fall where they will.
More than once, his candor has landed Otis Chandler in hot water. Over the years, his closed-mouth relatives have lambasted him mercilessly for speaking his mind, which may account in large part for his reluctance to speak at length to an author before now. For several months in the spring and summer of 2000, Otis met with me weekly—usually on a Tuesday. At one point, several weeks into the project, I suggested Tuesdays with Otis as an alternative title for the book. Cau- tion quickly gave way to candor and I soon had the necessary palette from which to paint an accurate portrait of this remarkable, charismatic, and multi- dimensional molder of modern day Los Angeles. To Otis, Bettina, Missy, Harry, Michael, Carolyn, Cathleen, and all the other Chandlers who let down their guard and spoke their truths, I am deeply grateful.
Click on the title to read the book online at Questia
While I was reading the book, the piece I wrote about Mr. Chandler and the LA Times appeared in the Ojai Valley News. Imagine my surprise when I received a very nice e-mail from Dennis McDougal, the author of the book!
ReplyDeleteHe was very supportive and grateful that I'd taken the time to write the piece. His sister Colleen McDougal is a poliical cartoonist for the OVN, and sent him the piece on Otis Chandler.
Needless to say, I was surprised since I was reading his book at the time! Anyone involved with publishing, writing, and newspapers would love to read this story. One thing that was revealed was that Otis Chandler was very often on the other side of the fence from the Chandlers who are involved with the Tribune now. It's difficult to second guess how he might've responded to the radical changes in media now. It's just so different, none of us could've foreseen we'd all be blogging.
I hope the Pressmen will consider inviting his widow Bettina, or his son Harry, or even Dennis McDougal to a Pressmen's dinner. It would be fitting given how much respect everyone still has for him.