Los Angeles Times and the Pac-12

Norman Pearlstine and Chris Argentieri respond to the Oregonian story on LAT and the Pac-12.

Amid crisis, Pac-12 signed agreement to fund news coverage from Los Angeles Times - Oregon Live

Dear Colleagues:

A July 30 article in The Oregonian alleging that there was an “arrangement” between the Pac-12 and the Los Angeles Times did not offer a full and fair account of the facts. No money was exchanged, no ads were placed and the Pac-12 did not pay for any editorial coverage by The Times.

In late 2018, Times ad sales representatives had conversations with officials from the Pac-12 about potential advertising. Those discussions, between Times ad sales and Pac-12 officials, resulted in an insertion order. However, newsroom management became concerned about a perceived conflict of interest and The Times did not move forward with the order.

The Times received no revenue — not a penny — from the Pac-12 or anyone else related to these conversations. It was also made clear to all parties that the Times newsroom would have sole and exclusive control over editorial content.

As to the sports intern, Blake Richardson: She was already writing about the Pac-12, women’s sports and collegiate athletics before any conversations between ad sales and the Pac-12 began. Richardson’s employment was never contingent on any deal. She was offered a reporting job — based solely on her talent and ability — and turned it down for personal reasons.

The Los Angeles Times cherishes its editorial independence. Our reputation for journalistic quality and integrity is — along with the talent of our staff — our most important asset. Our ethics guidelines and other policies govern our work and they were all followed in this matter.

If you have questions about Times journalism ethics guidelines, please contact your supervisor, a member of the masthead or Human Resources.

Norm and Chris