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Rep. Henry Waxman posted a letter today to Tribune CEO Peter Liguori asking for more information about the company's intended spinoff of its newspapers and how it will affect the Los Angeles Times. "I am writing on behalf of my constituents who rely daily on the Los Angeles Times for their national news and local reporting," Waxman wrote. "I am concerned that corporate actions the Tribune Company is taking may not be in the best interests of the Los Angeles Times." He goes on to quote some of Tribune's official filings and media coverage, including mine. He concludes with this:
I would like to learn more about the transaction you are proposing and how it will impact the Los Angeles Times and my constituents.
Here's the whole thing. Tribune said last week that the spinoff would create a new company to house the Times and other Tribune papers, separate from the more profitable TV stations and other properties. As part of Tribune's restructuring, the Times is already a renter in the building it has occupied since the 1930s.
In a Times story about it, Tribune spokesman Gary Weitman says: "We appreciate Congressman Waxman's interest in the L.A. Times. We are happy to address his questions and have already been in touch with his office to schedule a meeting. Tribune remains fully committed to the long-term vitality of the L.A. Times and all of Tribune publishing."
Meanwhile, at the Times: Longtime Calendar section editors Lee Margulies and Sherry Stern retire this week. A brief invite from AME John Corrigan:
From: Corrigan, John
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2013 1:14 PM
To: yyeditlocal; yyEntertainAll; yySeniorEds
Subject: So long, Lee and Sherry
Today we say farewell to two of our favorite colleagues, Lee Margulies and Sherry Stern.They’re leaving after long careers in journalism to pursue another cherished American tradition: retirement.
Please drop by Calendar at 4 pm today to wish them the best.
John Corrigan
Assistant Managing Editor
Arts & Entertainment
Los Angeles Times
