Take Back the Times: Hiller Fires O'Shea, 3rd Editor To Go In 30 Months

By Ken Reich

BULLETIN -- James O'Shea today became the third editor in two and a half years to be forced out at the Los Angeles Times after reportedly resisting cutbacks at the paper. The person doing the firing was that dirty stinker, David Hiller, the dishonorable publisher. A friend of mine this afternoon with much experience at the Times described Hiller as "a pain in the ass," and "fatuous." I told him these terms did not catch the full depravity of the man.

The firing of O'Shea came after he resisted Hiller's demand that he cut both the news hole and $4 million from the editorial budget. Hiller reportedly felt the Times coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign was too extensive, (or at least his friend Ken Starr may have.)

Ironically, the firing came soon after the issuing of a new company employees' handbook in which the new Tribune Co. CEO called for employees to speak out on management issues.

O'Shea declined comment Sunday evening, saying he wished to consult his attorney first.

But one expense that Hiller may well find justified would be the erection of a guillotine in the city room. In the future, that would save time.

Hiller Fires O'Shea, 3rd Editor To Go In 30 Months