From: Hiller, David
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2007 4:28 PM
Subject: This week in review
Folks,
Following up on all the news this week, I wanted to share a few more thoughts on what’s going on.
First, I want to thank people for their open, candid, and overwhelmingly constructive communication. This is a big, complex set of events, and we need to continue to work hard to make sure we all understand it. In that vein, too, I think our news coverage has continued to be excellent, and thanks to Jim Rainey, Tom Mulligan and our other colleagues for this.
There have been a lot of questions about current retirement plans, as well as the new ESOP. It is very important that people understand that the existing pension plans and current 401(k)’s are fully protected. The new plans will start in 2008. Dennis sent a note on this again this morning and there are a lot of good FAQs up on Triblink (http://triblink.trb/intranet/).
People have also been asking about who Sam Zell is and what does he think about things. Jim Rainey has a story on an interview with Sam Zell on the front page of the Business section today. You can also see video clips from the interview on latimes.com and chicagotribune.com. Check it out and see what you think.
Here’s my take:
· Really smart, independent thinker, no-nonsense, straight-talker, what you see is what you get
· Reads five newspapers a day (including seven-day subscriber to The Times at his place in Malibu)
· Believes in the future of newspapers
· Says that key to success is content that is both editorially strong and relevant to consumers (relevance = people want to read it)
· Not real patient with the perceptions of the Chicago v. LA melodrama which he considers a distraction
· Is investing his own money in the future of newspapers, and he will only make money if we are all successful
All in all, I think this week has been a real positive for Tribune and The Times. The challenges to our business are still there. But the moves that were announced should let us move forward with complete focus on the things that matter most – doing a great job being relevant and indispensable to the readers, users, and advertisers of Southern California.
David
SOURCE: Russ Newton
"Says that key to success is content that is both editorially strong and relevant to consumers (relevance = people want to read it)"
ReplyDeleteThat's why the Register has always kicked the Times butt and something Tribune never understood!!!!!!!!!
It's ALWAYS been about CONTENT!!!!