Memo from Tribune's chief operating officer

Tribune chief operating officer's memo to staff

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 3:17 PM
Subject: RE: Message from Randy Michaels/Leading Change

2008 was a year of change for most people, and particularly so for those in media. No media company responded to the changes in the economy and the competitive environment more effectively than Tribune. Much of what we did was a reaction to changes in the way consumers get entertainment and information, and a reaction to a difficult economic environment. In 2009, we again have the opportunity to lead our industries in positive, proactive change.

For example, this morning the Chicago Tribune announced that it will offer a tabloid version of the newspaper for single-copy purchase beginning next Monday-same newspaper, same content, but in an easier-to-manage format, ideal for reading on the go. This is a direct response to what local readers and advertisers are telling us they want -- portability, convenience, and great journalism. Home delivery subscribers will receive the same broad-sheet format they've always enjoyed. Tony Hunter and his team at the Trib have done a great job making this happen quickly. Tony has demonstrated outstanding leadership, and provided an outstanding example of AFDI.

On the interactive front, I'm sure you've noticed our new "Breaking News" sites, which push visitors to our newspaper and television sites to one online area featuring the latest local breaking news. Well,these sites are also making us money. The Orlando Sentinel recently sold a year-long sponsorship for its Breaking News site-that's real progress. Soon, breaking news sites with their own brand identities, but powered by our newsrooms, will be forces in all of our markets.

We're also moving forward with developments designed to enhance our e-commerce capabilities and increase revenue. TI just signed a deal with TicketNetwork Direct (TND), a division of TicketNetwork, to offer tickets to live events like sports, concerts and the theatre, including Broadway, via our websites. This gives us a chance to monetize what our websites do so well-attract visitors with fantastic content.

In addition, TI just launched "The Syndicate," a content marketplace staffed with a group of producers now offering updated relevant video content to all of our websites on a variety of topics. So far more than 200 pieces have been generated-on everything from online news coverage, sports, business and entertainment to photo and video material, updated 24/7. The Syndicate is now staffed around the clock, and uses material generated from inside Tribune's 23 television stations, 17 stations owned by Local TV, LLC, and various outside vendors. The group's content is really adding value to our web sites.

On the broadcast side, last week WGN America announced it had picked up a new program called "WWE Superstars" developed by World Wrestling Entertainment. Beginning in April, you'll be able to enjoy all your favorite wrestling stars as they break various parts of each others'anatomy. This is the first major original programming generated by WGN America.

There's a lot going on around the company and it is important that we take a minute to recognize it. There is always a lot happening beyond our control, but 2009 will be what we make of it. We need to focus on the things we can do. We need relentless focus on our customers, our readers, viewers, visitors, and advertisers. We need to inform and serve our communities, including service to the economic health of our
advertisers. We are in the business of delivering content to consumers in a way that gets results for our advertisers. There are few limits to our ability to grow and prosper if we stay focused on delivering what our consumers want.

Thanks for all your effort. Keep at it. Don't let up even for a minute.

Randy

SOURCE: Jim Romenesko