Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

LA Times Loses 3rd Editor to Budget Disputes

It's déjà vu for bigwigs: O'Shea is forced out after refusing cutbacks

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2008 4:32 AM CST

(Newser) – The top editor of the Los Angeles Times has been fired after a confrontation with publisher David Hiller over $4 million in planned newsroom cutbacks, reports AP. James O'Shea's departure after just 14 months marks the third time in less than three years that the paper's top editor has left over budget issues. Hiller denies that he fired O'Shea and said his departure was part of a "reorganization."

O'Shea is quoted in his paper as saying he and Hiller "did not share a common vision for the future." When Shea replaced the last editor, he told staffers not to consider him a "hatchet man," and vowed to ensure the Times would "remain a force in journalism." The shuffling follows last month's $8.2 billion buyout of the Times' parent firm, the Tribune Co., in a deal engineered by Sam Zell.

Samuel Sam Zell, Chairman, Equity Group Investments, Tribune Corporation, led an $8.2 billion buyout of Tribune Co. The media company owns 11 daily newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, 23 television stations and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Samuel "Sam" Zell, Chairman, Equity Group Investments, Tribune Corporation, led an $8.2 billion buyout of Tribune Co. The media company owns 11 daily newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and Los...   (Associated Press)
David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, left, Randy Michaels, newly appointed CEO of the Interactive and Broadcasting divisions of Tribune Co., center, and Scott Smith, right, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, listen to real estate billionaire Sam Zell comment on his purchase of the Tribune Company during a...
David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, left, Randy Michaels, newly appointed CEO of the Interactive and Broadcasting divisions of Tribune Co., center, and Scott Smith, right, publisher of the...   (Associated Press)
James O'Shea was brought in to the Los Angeles Times in 2006 when his predecessor Dean Baquet was forced out over budget disputes.  O'Shea is now leaving as well.
James O'Shea was brought in to the Los Angeles Times in 2006 when his predecessor Dean Baquet was forced out over budget disputes. O'Shea is now leaving as well.   (Chicago Tribune)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

LA Times Shakeup: He Said, He Said

Zell 'Clueless' About Journalism and Democracy

LA Times Insider Launches Anti-Zell Blog

LA Times Publisher Exits

Honey, I'm Shrinking the Tribune Papers


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne