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Because there's been a lot going on today....
- Key little-discussed factor in the Variety-Penske Media deal could be Gerry Byrne, a former suit at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter who sits now on Penske Media's board. Roger Friedman via Fishbowl LA
- Sharon Waxman predicts that eventually, Penske Media will have to choose between Variety and Nikki Finke. The Wrap
- Alum Dana Harris says Variety is lucky to be on same side as Finke. IndieWire
- Next expansion for the Orange County Register: a Sunday magazine. OC Weekly
- Ruben Keoseyan, executive editor of La Opinion, was named vice president of content for Telemundo's KVEA in Los Angeles. TV Spy
- Samantha Geimer, who for decades has said she's more than Roman Polanski's teenaged sex victim back in the 70s, is writing a memoir for Atria Books called "The Girl: Emerging From the Shadow of Roman Polanski." The Wrap
- The LA Times promoted Chris Barton to deputy pop music editor. He will remain a jazz critic as well. Via internal memo
- "We Got Power" is a new coffee table book featuring photographs from LA's early '80s hardcore music scene, from Bazillion Points Publishing. Here, Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's at the Whisky in 181 by David Markey. BuzzFeed
- Lois Smith, who died last weekend from complications due to a fall in Maine, "helped to define modern PR," says Anne Thompson. Thompson on Hollywood
- The city of Santa Clarita is asking elected city council members to report back on any contacts with news reporters, and at least one council member objects. KHTS
- Dean Singleton on media bias, the future of newspapers, and Mitt Romney. Salon
