San Francisco, June 10 (Ians) US-based Los Angeles Times has announced to lay off about 13 per cent of its newsroom staff, or 74 employees, amid economic pressures brought on by advertising and print readership declines.
According to Los Angeles Times, full-time and temporary workers will be let go, including a handful of managers, however, reporting positions are expected to be mostly preserved, but production staff will be reduced.
Almost a third of the cuts come from the ranks of news and copy editors. Some photographers, audience engagement editors, and audio producers will be impacted as well.
In a note to the newsroom, Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida announced the layoffs, saying the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry”.
“Decisions that result in talented staffers losing their jobs are agonising. We will be saying goodbye to some tremendous colleagues,” Merida was quoted as saying.
According to Los Angeles Times, full-time and temporary workers will be let go, including a handful of managers, however, reporting positions are expected to be mostly preserved, but production staff will be reduced.
Almost a third of the cuts come from the ranks of news and copy editors. Some photographers, audience engagement editors, and audio producers will be impacted as well.
In a note to the newsroom, Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida announced the layoffs, saying the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry”.
“Decisions that result in talented staffers losing their jobs are agonising. We will be saying goodbye to some tremendous colleagues,” Merida was quoted as saying.
- 6/10/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The Los Angeles Times announced newsroom layoffs today for the first time since biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the paper in 2018. The cuts include 74 positions, representing about 13% of the total newsroom headcount.
Per the paper’s Meg James:
Full-time and temporary workers will be let go, including a handful of managers. Reporting positions are expected to be largely spared but production staff will be trimmed, including editors on the news and copy desks as well as the audience engagement team. Some photographers and audio producers will also be cut.
Lat Executive Editor Kevin Merida announced the move in a note to staff. Merida indicated the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry.”
He called such decisions “agonizing,” adding, “We will be saying goodbye to some tremendous colleagues.”
The New York Times reported that Merida also wrote, “Collectively, we have done...
Per the paper’s Meg James:
Full-time and temporary workers will be let go, including a handful of managers. Reporting positions are expected to be largely spared but production staff will be trimmed, including editors on the news and copy desks as well as the audience engagement team. Some photographers and audio producers will also be cut.
Lat Executive Editor Kevin Merida announced the move in a note to staff. Merida indicated the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry.”
He called such decisions “agonizing,” adding, “We will be saying goodbye to some tremendous colleagues.”
The New York Times reported that Merida also wrote, “Collectively, we have done...
- 6/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Los Angeles Times has laid off a total of 74 editorial staffers, amounting to about 13 percent of newsroom positions, IndieWire has confirmed.
Staffers were informed on Wednesday in a memo from executive editor Kevin Merida, who said the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry.”
A representative for the Times told IndieWire that this will leave about 500 staffers still in the newsroom. The layoffs come at a difficult time for print and news media, with cuts already this year at news organizations including Fox News, CNN, Vox, The Washington Post, and NPR, among others. BuzzFeed News and MTV News also shut down this year.
The full statement from the LA Times is below:
“We have made the difficult decision to undergo a reorganization and eliminate certain positions within the company. The hardest decisions to make are those that impact our employees,...
Staffers were informed on Wednesday in a memo from executive editor Kevin Merida, who said the decision was “made more urgent by the economic climate and the unique challenges of our industry.”
A representative for the Times told IndieWire that this will leave about 500 staffers still in the newsroom. The layoffs come at a difficult time for print and news media, with cuts already this year at news organizations including Fox News, CNN, Vox, The Washington Post, and NPR, among others. BuzzFeed News and MTV News also shut down this year.
The full statement from the LA Times is below:
“We have made the difficult decision to undergo a reorganization and eliminate certain positions within the company. The hardest decisions to make are those that impact our employees,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
A defiant Sheriff Alex Villanueva today used a news conference to blast a variety of his opponents both political and perceived, including election challenger Eli Vera, county Inspector General Max Huntsman and Los Angeles Times reporter Alene Tchekmedyian, who broke an explosive story of an altercation involving the handcuffed inmate. Villanueva alleged today that the piece was potentially based on information stolen from the department. He listed six potential crimes involved, including burglary, theft and conspiracy.
He augmented the presentation with a blown-up photo of the journalist, much as law enforcement officials are wont to do with suspects when explaining a case.
Asked by media today if Tchekmedyian was under investigation Villanueva said vaguely, “The matter is under investigation.”
Another reporter pressed, “You placed her picture up there…and talked about it in terms of a criminal investigation. Is this Los Angeles Times reporter under investigation by the department?”
The Sheriff replied,...
He augmented the presentation with a blown-up photo of the journalist, much as law enforcement officials are wont to do with suspects when explaining a case.
Asked by media today if Tchekmedyian was under investigation Villanueva said vaguely, “The matter is under investigation.”
Another reporter pressed, “You placed her picture up there…and talked about it in terms of a criminal investigation. Is this Los Angeles Times reporter under investigation by the department?”
The Sheriff replied,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Merida left to join LA Times on Monday
Raina Kelley has been promoted to vice president and editor-in-chief of ESPN-owned sports and culture website The Undefeated, ESPN announced Monday.
Kelley, who served as managing director of The Undefeated beginning in November 2015, succeeds Kevin Merida and will report to Epsn senior vice president of content business development and innovation, Mark Walker.
“Raina is a committed, collaborative and creative presence who has been part of the visionary leadership for this platform from the star. We know The Undefeated will continue to thrive with Raina in this role,” ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
Kelley also leads ESPN’s Black History Always content initiative, highlighting “the contributions of African Americans through long- and short-form storytelling.”
Kelley’s appointment comes the same day Merida was announced as the new executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
“Kevin has been an outstanding leader,...
Raina Kelley has been promoted to vice president and editor-in-chief of ESPN-owned sports and culture website The Undefeated, ESPN announced Monday.
Kelley, who served as managing director of The Undefeated beginning in November 2015, succeeds Kevin Merida and will report to Epsn senior vice president of content business development and innovation, Mark Walker.
“Raina is a committed, collaborative and creative presence who has been part of the visionary leadership for this platform from the star. We know The Undefeated will continue to thrive with Raina in this role,” ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
Kelley also leads ESPN’s Black History Always content initiative, highlighting “the contributions of African Americans through long- and short-form storytelling.”
Kelley’s appointment comes the same day Merida was announced as the new executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
“Kevin has been an outstanding leader,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Kevin Merida, ESPN senior vice president and editor-in-chief of the Undefeated, has been named the next executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
Merida had been seen as a leading candidate to lead the Times newsroom following a five-month search. He’ll succeed Norman Pearlstine, who stepped down in December.
“I’m going to do everything I can to make this the greatest media outlet for the people of California, of L.A. — and beyond,” Merida said in an interview with the Times. “I see nothing but opportunity. I think this can be the most innovative media company in the country.”
Merida will start in June.
The Times, owned by Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong, has endured years of turmoil, as it has faced the challenge of transitioning to digital, with its subscriber base far behind The New York Times and The Washington Post. The Covid-19 pandemic only added to advertising woes,...
Merida had been seen as a leading candidate to lead the Times newsroom following a five-month search. He’ll succeed Norman Pearlstine, who stepped down in December.
“I’m going to do everything I can to make this the greatest media outlet for the people of California, of L.A. — and beyond,” Merida said in an interview with the Times. “I see nothing but opportunity. I think this can be the most innovative media company in the country.”
Merida will start in June.
The Times, owned by Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong, has endured years of turmoil, as it has faced the challenge of transitioning to digital, with its subscriber base far behind The New York Times and The Washington Post. The Covid-19 pandemic only added to advertising woes,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Los Angeles Times has found its new lead editor.
Kevin Merida, who has lead ESPN’s The Undefeated vertical since 2015, has been named executive editor of the 139-year-old newspaper. He’ll be the 19th editor in Times history and the third person of color to lead the paper. Merida takes over for Norman Pearlstine, who stepped aside in December and became a senior adviser to the paper’s executive chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.
“We are elated to welcome Kevin to the Los Angeles Times,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “Kevin possesses a clear understanding of ...
Kevin Merida, who has lead ESPN’s The Undefeated vertical since 2015, has been named executive editor of the 139-year-old newspaper. He’ll be the 19th editor in Times history and the third person of color to lead the paper. Merida takes over for Norman Pearlstine, who stepped aside in December and became a senior adviser to the paper’s executive chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.
“We are elated to welcome Kevin to the Los Angeles Times,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “Kevin possesses a clear understanding of ...
The Los Angeles Times has found its new lead editor.
Kevin Merida, who has lead ESPN’s The Undefeated vertical since 2015, has been named executive editor of the 139-year-old newspaper. He’ll be the 19th editor in Times history and the third person of color to lead the paper. Merida takes over for Norman Pearlstine, who stepped aside in December and became a senior adviser to the paper’s executive chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.
“We are elated to welcome Kevin to the Los Angeles Times,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “Kevin possesses a clear understanding of ...
Kevin Merida, who has lead ESPN’s The Undefeated vertical since 2015, has been named executive editor of the 139-year-old newspaper. He’ll be the 19th editor in Times history and the third person of color to lead the paper. Merida takes over for Norman Pearlstine, who stepped aside in December and became a senior adviser to the paper’s executive chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.
“We are elated to welcome Kevin to the Los Angeles Times,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “Kevin possesses a clear understanding of ...
Connor Schell, ESPN’s content boss, has confirmed that he is leaving the Disney-owned sports network to set up his own independent production company.
Schell, one of the architects of the broadcaster’s 30 for 30 documentary strand and exec producer on Michael Jordan series The Last Dance and Oj: Made In America, will leave the business on January 8.
Separately, Jodi Markley, Executive Vice President, Content Operations & Creative Services, is retiring and will step down April 2. Markley has been with the business since 1989.
This comes after ESPN unveils cut around 500 jobs worldwide including around 300 layoffs – around 10% of its workforce.
Schell has not offered many details of his new venture, although he will still work closely with ESPN Films and on the 30 for 30 strand and The ESPYs. He will also continue to serve as exec producer of its Colin Kaepernick docuseries and nine-part Tom Brady docuseries Man in the Arena.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman,...
Schell, one of the architects of the broadcaster’s 30 for 30 documentary strand and exec producer on Michael Jordan series The Last Dance and Oj: Made In America, will leave the business on January 8.
Separately, Jodi Markley, Executive Vice President, Content Operations & Creative Services, is retiring and will step down April 2. Markley has been with the business since 1989.
This comes after ESPN unveils cut around 500 jobs worldwide including around 300 layoffs – around 10% of its workforce.
Schell has not offered many details of his new venture, although he will still work closely with ESPN Films and on the 30 for 30 strand and The ESPYs. He will also continue to serve as exec producer of its Colin Kaepernick docuseries and nine-part Tom Brady docuseries Man in the Arena.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Colin Kaepernick has signed an overall first-look deal with The Walt Disney Company via his Ra Vision Media.
The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.
Disney said the deal will extend across all Walt Disney Platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and ESPN’s The Undefeated. Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of Black and Brown communities.
The first project in development under the deal is an exclusive docuseries produced by ESPN Films chronicling Kaepernick’s life. Using extensive new interviews and never-seen-before archival material that documents his last five years, Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective. Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and...
The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.
Disney said the deal will extend across all Walt Disney Platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and ESPN’s The Undefeated. Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of Black and Brown communities.
The first project in development under the deal is an exclusive docuseries produced by ESPN Films chronicling Kaepernick’s life. Using extensive new interviews and never-seen-before archival material that documents his last five years, Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective. Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and...
- 7/6/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company has signed a first-look deal with Colin Kaepernick and his production arm, Ra Vision Media.
The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and per ESPN “provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.” The deal encompasses multiple Disney platforms including ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated, the company’s website focused on sports and culture.
The first project in development as part of this deal is an ESPN-produced docuseries chronicling Kaepernick’s journey. Using extensive new interviews and a never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years, Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective. Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and Connor Schell will executive produce for ESPN. Former ESPN staffer Jemele Hill will also be a producer.
Also Read: Ava DuVernay to Executive Produce Scripted Series...
The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and per ESPN “provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.” The deal encompasses multiple Disney platforms including ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated, the company’s website focused on sports and culture.
The first project in development as part of this deal is an ESPN-produced docuseries chronicling Kaepernick’s journey. Using extensive new interviews and a never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years, Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective. Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and Connor Schell will executive produce for ESPN. Former ESPN staffer Jemele Hill will also be a producer.
Also Read: Ava DuVernay to Executive Produce Scripted Series...
- 7/6/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Colin Kaepernick’s journey from San Francisco 49ers quarterback to civil-rights activist will be chronicled in a documentary series developed by ESPN Films as part of a first-look deal between Walt Disney and Kapernick’s Ra Vision Media production company.
Under terms of the pact, announced Monday, Disney and Ra Vision will emphasize scripted and unscripted stories that deal with race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and work to showcase directors and producers of color. Disney said the agreement would extend across its units, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated, an ESPN venue that focuses on matters of race in sports. Kaepernick is slated to work closely with The Undefeated, which Disney said would expand its portfolio across the company.
“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers,...
Under terms of the pact, announced Monday, Disney and Ra Vision will emphasize scripted and unscripted stories that deal with race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and work to showcase directors and producers of color. Disney said the agreement would extend across its units, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated, an ESPN venue that focuses on matters of race in sports. Kaepernick is slated to work closely with The Undefeated, which Disney said would expand its portfolio across the company.
“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers,...
- 7/6/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN plans to explore a new business plan for The Undefeated, its site devoted to exploring sports, culture and race that will expand the outlet to other parts of the sports-media outlet’s parent company. Walt Disney.
The Undefeated, which was launched in 2016 under the auspices of John Skipper, previous president of ESPN, was envisioned as a digital hub for stories that examined some of the hottest topics in sports. The site was expected to combine long-form and short-form storytelling, original reporting and provocative commentary aimed at African-American consumers as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.
Now the company intends to try to expand its coverage to fashion, music, arts and technology, said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president, in a memo to staffers Tuesday. Citing such efforts as a season long series in 2019 looking at African-American quarterbacks and a Caldecott Medal...
The Undefeated, which was launched in 2016 under the auspices of John Skipper, previous president of ESPN, was envisioned as a digital hub for stories that examined some of the hottest topics in sports. The site was expected to combine long-form and short-form storytelling, original reporting and provocative commentary aimed at African-American consumers as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.
Now the company intends to try to expand its coverage to fashion, music, arts and technology, said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president, in a memo to staffers Tuesday. Citing such efforts as a season long series in 2019 looking at African-American quarterbacks and a Caldecott Medal...
- 3/3/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
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