Zell Turns to Radio Talent to Shake Up Newspapers

Randy Michaels expected to resign this week

(USER SUBMITTED) - Weeks after the New York Times detailed the raucous behavior of Tribune CEO Randy Michaels, he is reported to be resigning. The Times article described a boys club atmosphere created by Michaels and his chief innovation officer, Lee Abrams, at the bankrupt newspaper and TV company. Abrams was recently fired, but the Tribune's board, which met yesterday, was apparently not satisfied that enough had been done to right the ship, reports the Los Angeles Times . More»

Boss Randy Michaels 'offered $100 to waitress to flash her breasts'

(NEWSER) - The shockingly sexist frat boy hijinks of top managers of the Tribune Company created an alienating workplace and "bankrupt culture" that helped send the financially troubled media firm into a tailspin, reports the New York Times . Just after radio exec Randy Michaels was hired by billionaire owner Sam Zell to help run the company, he allegedly offered $100 to a waitress to flash her breasts for a gathering of senior management at a Chicago hotel, the paper reports. "I have never seen anything like it," said one executive. “Here was this guy, who was responsible for all these people, getting drunk and saying this to a waitress who many of us knew." More»

119 words, phrases go on CEO's naughty list

(NEWSER) - Anchors and reporters at WGN radio in Chicago have a new job requirement: Don't say any of the station's 119 undesirable words and phrases on the air. Randy Michaels, CEO of parent company Tribune Co., wants information delivered in a more down-to-earth manner, without "newsspeak." On the Voldemort list: "vehicle," "seek," "pedestrian," "undisclosed," "at risk," "incarcerated," and "behind bars." More»

Family will pay $800M for 95% stake in team, Wrigley field

(NEWSER) - It’s official: Tribune Co. has signed an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family, the Chicago Tribune reports. Picked as the winning bidder for the franchise in January, family negotiated a deal to pay $800 million for a 95% stake in the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the Tribune's stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The Tribune is retaining a 5% stake in those assets. More»

(NEWSER) - The bankrupt Tribune Company could emerge from protection with its top creditors—and not chairman Sam Zell—in charge, the Chicago Tribune reports. Zell exerts control based on $90 million he spent to secure the option of buying 40% of the company for $500 million, and a $250 million loan. Those numbers pale in comparison to the $8.6 billion Tribune owes lenders with first dibs on assets. More»