The Deal from Hell (52 page)
Read The Deal from Hell Online
Authors: James O'Shea
Chapter 4: Twilight
55
For the U.S. newspaper industry,
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21st Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied on data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
For the U.S. newspaper industry,
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21st Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied on data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
56
as if they'd been tossed into a blender
Jack Fuller, who succeeded Squires as editor, first compared the newsroom under the Tennessee native to being thrown into a blender.
as if they'd been tossed into a blender
Jack Fuller, who succeeded Squires as editor, first compared the newsroom under the Tennessee native to being thrown into a blender.
57
Between 1970 and 1985, the number of women
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data on the composition of the workforce came from U.S. government reports by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Between 1970 and 1985, the number of women
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data on the composition of the workforce came from U.S. government reports by the U.S. Department of Labor.
57
In 1971, America had 1,425 evening newspapers
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21
st
Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied on data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
In 1971, America had 1,425 evening newspapers
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21
st
Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied on data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
58
For much of the 1960s and 1970s
Post Broadcast Democracy
, by Markus Prior (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007). Prior's book is an excellent source
of material and analysis of the impact of cable TV on the nation's political activity. The author relied on Prior's analysis.
For much of the 1960s and 1970s
Post Broadcast Democracy
, by Markus Prior (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007). Prior's book is an excellent source
of material and analysis of the impact of cable TV on the nation's political activity. The author relied on Prior's analysis.
59
Between 1960 and 1984, cable subscribers
Cable Statistics, 2009 Edition, National Cable and Telecommunications Association.
Between 1960 and 1984, cable subscribers
Cable Statistics, 2009 Edition, National Cable and Telecommunications Association.
59
For one thing, growth in Sunday
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21st Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied upon data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
For one thing, growth in Sunday
“Advancing Newspaper Media for the 21st Century,” Newspaper Association of America, 2009. The author relied upon data prepared by the NAA business analysis and research department, W.R. Simmons and Associates Research, Inc., and the A.C. Nielsen Company, for newspaper readership data.
60
Nowhere was this more evident than with Prescott Low
The Collapse of the Great American Newspaper
, by Charles M. Madigan (Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2007). In his book, Madigan first reported on Low and unearthed a paper on the role of estate taxes on the decision to sell newspapers. The author also read the original paper and visited the
Patriot Ledger
offices in Quincy.
Nowhere was this more evident than with Prescott Low
The Collapse of the Great American Newspaper
, by Charles M. Madigan (Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2007). In his book, Madigan first reported on Low and unearthed a paper on the role of estate taxes on the decision to sell newspapers. The author also read the original paper and visited the
Patriot Ledger
offices in Quincy.
61
Miller became the forerunner of what
Confessions of an S.O.B
., by Allen H. Neuharth (New York: Doubleday, 1989). The source for much of the material about Gannett, including the description of Neuharth by his second wife, came from Neuharth's entertaining autobiography. The author also relied on
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993).
Miller became the forerunner of what
Confessions of an S.O.B
., by Allen H. Neuharth (New York: Doubleday, 1989). The source for much of the material about Gannett, including the description of Neuharth by his second wife, came from Neuharth's entertaining autobiography. The author also relied on
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993).
61
Gannett embarked on a trail blazed by
Taking Stock Journalism and the Publicly-Traded Newspaper Company
, by Gilbert Cranberg, Randall Bezanson, and John Soloski (Ames: Iowa State University Press, 2001). This academic study is one of the few that ever looked at the implications of publicly held companies for journalism. Cranberg and his team interviewed many of Wall Street's top newspaper stock analysts and the quote cited came from an anonymous source in Cranberg's book.
Gannett embarked on a trail blazed by
Taking Stock Journalism and the Publicly-Traded Newspaper Company
, by Gilbert Cranberg, Randall Bezanson, and John Soloski (Ames: Iowa State University Press, 2001). This academic study is one of the few that ever looked at the implications of publicly held companies for journalism. Cranberg and his team interviewed many of Wall Street's top newspaper stock analysts and the quote cited came from an anonymous source in Cranberg's book.
63
referring to their editorial departments as
“Upstairs and Down,” by James Schermerhorn,
Editor & Publisher
, August 1909.
referring to their editorial departments as
“Upstairs and Down,” by James Schermerhorn,
Editor & Publisher
, August 1909.
63
To protect editorial departments from
“Tearing Down the âWall' in American Journalism,” by Rodney D. Benson,
International Journal of the Humanities
, Paris, 2004. The author relied on the piece by Benson, a New York University professor, for background on the “wall.”
To protect editorial departments from
“Tearing Down the âWall' in American Journalism,” by Rodney D. Benson,
International Journal of the Humanities
, Paris, 2004. The author relied on the piece by Benson, a New York University professor, for background on the “wall.”
64
Hutchins Commission on the Freedom of the Press
Committee on the Freedom of the Press, 1947. The Hutchins Commission was chaired by Robert Hutchins, then president of the University of Chicago. It was formed in the midst of World War II by Henry Luce, publisher of
Time
and
Life
magazines, to inquire into the proper functions of the press in modern democracies. After studying the issue for four years, the commission issued its report that became a pivotal assertion of the media's role in a democratic society.
Hutchins Commission on the Freedom of the Press
Committee on the Freedom of the Press, 1947. The Hutchins Commission was chaired by Robert Hutchins, then president of the University of Chicago. It was formed in the midst of World War II by Henry Luce, publisher of
Time
and
Life
magazines, to inquire into the proper functions of the press in modern democracies. After studying the issue for four years, the commission issued its report that became a pivotal assertion of the media's role in a democratic society.
64
Stan Cook, the chief executive officer
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook. Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009. The author interviewed Cook in his home. Cook discussed the change in language policy during the interview, but the actual quote cited came from Kirkpatrick's message to readers in the
Chicago Tribune.
Stan Cook, the chief executive officer
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook. Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009. The author interviewed Cook in his home. Cook discussed the change in language policy during the interview, but the actual quote cited came from Kirkpatrick's message to readers in the
Chicago Tribune.
66
with analysts and institutional investors who
Taking Stock Journalism and the Publicly-Traded Newspaper Company
, by Gilbert Cranberg, Randall Bezanson, and
John Soloski (Ames: Iowa State University Press, 2001). This academic study is one of the few that ever looked at the implications of publicly held companies for journalism. The author interviewed many of Wall Street's top newspaper stock analysts but the quote cited from the book was anonymous.
Chapter 5: The New Orderwith analysts and institutional investors who
Taking Stock Journalism and the Publicly-Traded Newspaper Company
, by Gilbert Cranberg, Randall Bezanson, and
John Soloski (Ames: Iowa State University Press, 2001). This academic study is one of the few that ever looked at the implications of publicly held companies for journalism. The author interviewed many of Wall Street's top newspaper stock analysts but the quote cited from the book was anonymous.
69
Charlie Brumback beamed with pride
Author's interview with José Moré, a
Chicago Tribune
photographer who attended the ceremony, Chicago, IL, winter 2010; and author's telephone interview with Robert Blau, a
Tribune
editor who also witnessed the spectacle in the newsroom, fall 2008. The cost of the project was confirmed by Al Gramzinski, a former Tribune Company building manager who supervised the construction of the stairway.
Charlie Brumback beamed with pride
Author's interview with José Moré, a
Chicago Tribune
photographer who attended the ceremony, Chicago, IL, winter 2010; and author's telephone interview with Robert Blau, a
Tribune
editor who also witnessed the spectacle in the newsroom, fall 2008. The cost of the project was confirmed by Al Gramzinski, a former Tribune Company building manager who supervised the construction of the stairway.
70
In Florida, he had earned a reputation for
Author's interviews of Charles T. Brumback and
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001. The author interviewed Brumback on several occasions, both by telephone from Chicago in 2008â2010 and at his home in Sarasota, FL, in May 2010. Much of the background and history of Brumback came from those sessions.
In Florida, he had earned a reputation for
Author's interviews of Charles T. Brumback and
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001. The author interviewed Brumback on several occasions, both by telephone from Chicago in 2008â2010 and at his home in Sarasota, FL, in May 2010. Much of the background and history of Brumback came from those sessions.
70
Although he had graduated from
Oral History
of Brumback by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
Although he had graduated from
Oral History
of Brumback by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
71
Brumback had received a powerful lesson
Oral History
of Brumback by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
Brumback had received a powerful lesson
Oral History
of Brumback by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
75
Squires understood how to play the game
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993). Squires book contains a detailed account of his years with Brumback. The author also interviewed Squires by telephone, winter 2010.
Squires understood how to play the game
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993). Squires book contains a detailed account of his years with Brumback. The author also interviewed Squires by telephone, winter 2010.
75
During the four years Brumback and Squires
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993); and
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
During the four years Brumback and Squires
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993); and
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
76
When, in 1981, he named Brumback CEO
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook, Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009.
When, in 1981, he named Brumback CEO
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook, Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009.
78
“He thought big,” remembered Lisa Anderson
Author's telephone interview with Lisa Anderson, winter 2011.
“He thought big,” remembered Lisa Anderson
Author's telephone interview with Lisa Anderson, winter 2011.
79
“I [became] a smoke and mirrors magician,”
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993). In his book, Squires is quite candid about his bargain with Brumback and the implications for the newsroom he led.
“I [became] a smoke and mirrors magician,”
Read All About It
, by James D. Squires (New York: Times Books, 1993). In his book, Squires is quite candid about his bargain with Brumback and the implications for the newsroom he led.
82
Squires didn't help himself with his
Author's telephone interview with James D. Squires, winter 2010. Squires also provided the author with a copy of the “Project Prosperity” report. His comments regarding his relationship with Madigan and his reaction to Brumback's comment came from this interview.
Chapter 6: The Cereal KillerSquires didn't help himself with his
Author's telephone interview with James D. Squires, winter 2010. Squires also provided the author with a copy of the “Project Prosperity” report. His comments regarding his relationship with Madigan and his reaction to Brumback's comment came from this interview.
85
Leo Wolinsky stepped out
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010.
Leo Wolinsky stepped out
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010.
86
the Chandler family had brought
Author's interview with Mark Willes, Salt Lake City, UT, 2010.
the Chandler family had brought
Author's interview with Mark Willes, Salt Lake City, UT, 2010.
87
They were, in Otis' words, a “pain in the ass.”
Privileged Son: Otis Chandler and the Rise and Fall of the L.A. Times Dynasty
, by Dennis McDougal (Cambridge: Perseus Publishing, 2001).
They were, in Otis' words, a “pain in the ass.”
Privileged Son: Otis Chandler and the Rise and Fall of the L.A. Times Dynasty
, by Dennis McDougal (Cambridge: Perseus Publishing, 2001).
89
Under Coffey's tenure, the
Times
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010.
Under Coffey's tenure, the
Times
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010.
89
Coffey, for a redesign that unfairly
After Henry
, by Joan Didion (New York: Vintage, 1993). The book by Didion, a California native, contains a chapter on Los Angeles and the
Times
that discusses Coffey's tenure as editor as well as the newspaper's place in the civic, political, and cultural affairs of Los Angeles.
Coffey, for a redesign that unfairly
After Henry
, by Joan Didion (New York: Vintage, 1993). The book by Didion, a California native, contains a chapter on Los Angeles and the
Times
that discusses Coffey's tenure as editor as well as the newspaper's place in the civic, political, and cultural affairs of Los Angeles.
90
Initially, Erburu found it relatively easy to
“Controlling stockholders and the disciplinary role of corporate payout policy: a study of the Times Mirror Company,” by Harry DeAngelo, Linda DeAngelo,
Journal of Financial Economics
, 2000. The details of the dividend payout policy of Times Mirror Company and the Chandlers came from this academic study by professors at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Initially, Erburu found it relatively easy to
“Controlling stockholders and the disciplinary role of corporate payout policy: a study of the Times Mirror Company,” by Harry DeAngelo, Linda DeAngelo,
Journal of Financial Economics
, 2000. The details of the dividend payout policy of Times Mirror Company and the Chandlers came from this academic study by professors at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
92
In Minneapolis at General Mills
Author's interview with Mark Willes, Salt Lake City, UT, 2010.
In Minneapolis at General Mills
Author's interview with Mark Willes, Salt Lake City, UT, 2010.
93
as “Family Home Evening”âa time
“Mark Willes, Ahead of the Times,” by Edward L. Carter,
Marriott Alumni Magazine
, summer 2001.
as “Family Home Evening”âa time
“Mark Willes, Ahead of the Times,” by Edward L. Carter,
Marriott Alumni Magazine
, summer 2001.
94
When Willes arrived on the scene, Tim Rutten
“The State of the American Newspaper: Down and Out in LA,” by William Prochnau,
American Journalism Review
, January/February 2000.
When Willes arrived on the scene, Tim Rutten
“The State of the American Newspaper: Down and Out in LA,” by William Prochnau,
American Journalism Review
, January/February 2000.
96
The Chandlers who had brought Willes to the paper
Author's interview with Harry B. Chandler, Los Angeles, fall 2010. The author interviewed Chandler, who is Otis Chandler's son, and one of the few members of the family who will talk publicly about its affairs.
The Chandlers who had brought Willes to the paper
Author's interview with Harry B. Chandler, Los Angeles, fall 2010. The author interviewed Chandler, who is Otis Chandler's son, and one of the few members of the family who will talk publicly about its affairs.
97
Willes launched the first brand advertising
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010; and “Retreat Presentation,” a detailed study of the
Los Angeles Times
readership and circulation. The study was done when Dean Baquet was editor of the paper in 2005 and 2006.
Willes launched the first brand advertising
Author's interview with Leo Wolinsky, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, 2008â2010; and “Retreat Presentation,” a detailed study of the
Los Angeles Times
readership and circulation. The study was done when Dean Baquet was editor of the paper in 2005 and 2006.
98
He sold off Harry N. Abrams
Privileged Son: Otis Chandler and the Rise and Fall of the L.A. Times Dynasty
, by Dennis McDougal (Cambridge: Perseus Publishing, 2001).
He sold off Harry N. Abrams
Privileged Son: Otis Chandler and the Rise and Fall of the L.A. Times Dynasty
, by Dennis McDougal (Cambridge: Perseus Publishing, 2001).
99
revived the dividends the Chandlers had sought
“Controlling stockholders and the disciplinary role of corporate payout policy: a study of the Times Mirror Company,” by Harry DeAngelo, Linda DeAngelo,
Journal of Financial Economics
, 2000. Details of the financial arrangements also came from the author's interview with Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist III, a former Times Mirror CFO, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010, and by telephone, winter 2009.
revived the dividends the Chandlers had sought
“Controlling stockholders and the disciplinary role of corporate payout policy: a study of the Times Mirror Company,” by Harry DeAngelo, Linda DeAngelo,
Journal of Financial Economics
, 2000. Details of the financial arrangements also came from the author's interview with Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist III, a former Times Mirror CFO, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010, and by telephone, winter 2009.
101
he infuriated the Chandlers by tapping
Author's interviews with Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist, III, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, winter 2009; and
Thomas Unterman, a Chandler family lawyer who manages the Chandler's money, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010.
he infuriated the Chandlers by tapping
Author's interviews with Efrem (Skip) Zimbalist, III, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010; and by telephone, winter 2009; and
Thomas Unterman, a Chandler family lawyer who manages the Chandler's money, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010.
101
Harry Chandler, Otis' son, had come to the
Author's interview with Harry B. Chandler, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010.
Chapter 7: His Seat on the DaisHarry Chandler, Otis' son, had come to the
Author's interview with Harry B. Chandler, Los Angeles, CA, fall 2010.
105
The white tour bus carrying
Author's interview with Tribune Company official who had accompanied Madigan on his trip. Participant spoke to the author in confidence.
The white tour bus carrying
Author's interview with Tribune Company official who had accompanied Madigan on his trip. Participant spoke to the author in confidence.
1
05
Almost fifty years earlier to the day, Jules Dubois
“Jules Dubois Dies in Bogata Hotel,”
Sarasota Herald Tribune
, August 1966; and “The Press: Freedom Fighter,”
Time
, April 1957. The details of Dubois' life came from these two articles and several others regarding his career with the
Tribune
.
05
Almost fifty years earlier to the day, Jules Dubois
“Jules Dubois Dies in Bogata Hotel,”
Sarasota Herald Tribune
, August 1966; and “The Press: Freedom Fighter,”
Time
, April 1957. The details of Dubois' life came from these two articles and several others regarding his career with the
Tribune
.
106
To anyone schooled in reading the tea leaves
Author's interview with Newton N. Minow, a former Tribune Company director, Chicago, IL, winter 2010.
To anyone schooled in reading the tea leaves
Author's interview with Newton N. Minow, a former Tribune Company director, Chicago, IL, winter 2010.
106
he concluded that the Tribune Company
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
he concluded that the Tribune Company
Oral History
of Brumback, by Robert Wiedrich, McCormick Foundation, 2000 and 2001.
107
At one point, Brumback's mandate
STRIKE
,
The Daily News War and the Future of American Labor
, by Richard Vigilante (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994). Vigilante's book on the strike at the
Daily News
provided excellent details on the labor dispute.
At one point, Brumback's mandate
STRIKE
,
The Daily News War and the Future of American Labor
, by Richard Vigilante (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994). Vigilante's book on the strike at the
Daily News
provided excellent details on the labor dispute.
108
Meanwhile, Brumback openly expressed doubts
Author's telephone interview with Tim Jones, a former
Chicago Tribune
media reporter, fall 2009.
Meanwhile, Brumback openly expressed doubts
Author's telephone interview with Tim Jones, a former
Chicago Tribune
media reporter, fall 2009.
109
His buttoned-down countenance obscured a
Author's interview with Donald Haider, a Northwestern University professor, Chicago, IL, 2009.
His buttoned-down countenance obscured a
Author's interview with Donald Haider, a Northwestern University professor, Chicago, IL, 2009.
110
After graduating from the University of Michigan
Author's interview with John Madigan, Chicago, IL, winter 2008.
After graduating from the University of Michigan
Author's interview with John Madigan, Chicago, IL, winter 2008.
110
“The problem with being a private company, . . .”
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook, Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009.
“The problem with being a private company, . . .”
Author's interview with Stanton R. Cook, Kenilworth, IL, fall 2009.
111
Cook and Madigan shelved Kirkpatrick's journalistic
Author's interview with Anton (Tony) Majeri, Jr., Chicago, IL, 2009.
Cook and Madigan shelved Kirkpatrick's journalistic
Author's interview with Anton (Tony) Majeri, Jr., Chicago, IL, 2009.
112
By the time Cook stepped down as chairman of the company in 1993
Tribune Company, Proxy Statement, April 1994. Details of Cook and Madigan's stock holdings came from this document on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
By the time Cook stepped down as chairman of the company in 1993
Tribune Company, Proxy Statement, April 1994. Details of Cook and Madigan's stock holdings came from this document on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
115
“All he ever cared about was his seat . . .”
Author's telephone interview with James D. Squires, winter 2010.
“All he ever cared about was his seat . . .”
Author's telephone interview with James D. Squires, winter 2010.
117
Madigan expressed his frustration to
Author's telephone interview with Nicholas Horrock, winter 2010.
Madigan expressed his frustration to
Author's telephone interview with Nicholas Horrock, winter 2010.
118
“Charlie had a good idea but it wasn't the . . .”
Author's telephone interview with James Cutie, winter 2011.
“Charlie had a good idea but it wasn't the . . .”
Author's telephone interview with James Cutie, winter 2011.
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