December 22, 2008 News

The LA Times FINALLY updated its web site staff list, and I'm wondering if it's correct to infer from Sandy Banks's designation as "staff writer" that she's no longer a columnist?


From Minnesota Public Radio (full press release here):

American Public Media is cancelling weekly production and distribution of Weekend America as a result of the current economy's impact on station carriage and sponsorships. The final broadcast will be January 31, 2009. Thirteen full- and part-time positions will be affected. Weekend America is carried on 134 stations with a weekly audience of about 657,000 listeners.

December 19, 2008 News

Gary Scott's blog reports the birth (or semi-rebirth) of San Pedro Today:

Joshua Stecker, former editor of the now shuttered San Pedro Magazine, which was published by the Long Beach Press-Telegram, sent around an email announcing the launch of an independent magazine called San Pedro Today that will cover many of the same issues, but without the corporate interference.

News from KUSC:

MaryAnn Bonino returns to KUSC as host of the new weekly series, Sunday Music. Bonino has brought classical music to life for audiences of all ages as a concert producer, public speaker, as well as radio/TV host. As a past member of the KUSC family, Bonino produced and announced several weekly series’ from 1979 to 1989. Bonino is currently Professor-at-Large Emeritus at Mount St. Mary's College, the Founding Artistic Director Emeritus of the Da Camera Society and creator of its Chamber Music in Historic Sites series. She is also the Curator of the Doheny Mansion, and recently published The Doheny Mansion: A Biography of a Home.

Per my question about quests, KUSC Program Director Gail Eichenthal replied, "It will be a predominately sacred music program, with MaryAnn’s particular sensibilities. Really, music of the spirit. Guests will be very scarce, because it’s mostly about the music. Once in awhile, perhaps."


Check out staff changes and other info in LA Observed's post titled "Daily Journal Turmoil Continues"


Modern Luxury's Front Desk magazine is no more, and its Editor Jenn Ball is now filling a role with the Angeleno web site.


Got this from Kristen Calavas, co-founder and president of theLookBook.com, which is a tool for journalists rather than us PR types, but I'm happy to pass it along, especially since Calavas was one of us. And I quote, "I am a PR veteran formerly of BPCM Los Angeles and my business partner is Rhonda Richford, formerly an editor at the Los Angeles In Style magazine office."

…TheLookbook.com (http://thelookbook.com) [is] a new online directory for publicists and stylists in the fashion industry. Need to know who is the PR contact for Chanel in Los Angeles? Want to know who styles Kiera Knightley? Please take a moment to visit the site where this info - plus more! - is listed. Anyone can join and log in is fast and easy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!

December 12, 2008 News

Got a tip that Features/Fashion Editor Kristin Young and web writer Lilliam Rivera are no longer at Angeleno and Angeleno Online, respectively. Was told when I checked with the magazine that Deputy Editor Jade Chang is taking over the features/fashion duties.


From an LA Times "auto reply":

Sheigh Crabtree is no longer with Los Angeles Times Interactive. Please direct all inquiries, pitches and requests for TheEnvelope.com and Latimes.com/entertainment to Joseph A. Kapsch- Executive Producer, Entertainment. Joseph.Kapsch at you-know-where.

NPR cancels "News & Notes" and "Day to Day," as of March 20, 2009. Full memo with details from LA Observed.

This from the Washington Post:

Some of those losing their jobs are veteran NPR voices, such as Ketzel Levine, an NPR reporter since 1977, and Vicky O'Hara, an editor and former diplomatic correspondent with 26 years on the job. Others include "News & Notes" host Farai Chideya, "Day to Day" host Madeleine Brand, Washington reporter Libby Lewis, entertainment-industry correspondent Kim Masters and national reporter John McChesney. About half the 64 people cut are journalists.

Interesting news… reassigned Cleveland Plain Dealer Classical Music Critic Don Rosenberg...

…who was removed from his post at The Cleveland Plain Dealer after a history of negative reviews of the Cleveland Orchestra’s music director, struck back on Thursday with a lawsuit.

New York Times story here.


From Gary Scott's blog late last week:

Three Daily News reporters lost their jobs: prep sportswriter Gerry Gittelson, 11-year film critic Glenn Whipp and reporter Justino Aguila. That comes in addition to the departure of Antelope Valley reporter Karen Maeshiro, who quit after the AV section closed. She was told she could stay on at the paper, but only if she commuted to Woodland Hills.

I'm also told the DN Travel section will fold and that travel writer Eric Noland will be reassigned to the metro desk. LANG sports editor Kevin Modesti has also been reassigned as a metro reporter.

December 5, 2008 News

Nikki Finke reports layoffs and more at the Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Read this for all the news.

Also, Variety's new address is: 5900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 3100. Zip (LA 90036) stays the same.

LA Observed adds that Backstage's Lauren Horwich was laid off.


This also from LA Observed a few days ago:

The Los Angeles Daily Journal newsroom was told this afternoon, in a very brief meeting, that editor Martin Berg is moving over to columnist and the new editor in chief is David Houston. He has been the San Francisco editor.

An email to LATimes.com Weekend Editor Bettie Rinehart came back to me this week as an auto reply saying she no longer works at the Times.


Thanks to Omar Cunningham with Mannfolk PR, who passed on the news that the high-end luxury lifestyle magazine Atlanta Peach (same publisher as Ocean Drive) folded December 3.


For minute by minute posts about changes at media outlets all around the country, add this to your daily/hourly Twitter "must see":
https://twitter.com/themediaisdying


The LA Times reorganizes its Food section staff, with Russ Parsons re-taking the food editor position. Betty Hallock is deputy editor, and Rene Lynch is, and I quote from the announcement, "assistant food editor/interactive." Details here.


Thanks to Brenda Rees for passing along an email from twentysomethingonline.net, which is soliciting advertising but also apparently interested in getting”calendar events, articles or press releases." Check it out here.

November 24, 2008 News

Just read this on Cision, although it's a few days old: "Matthew Jaffe has left Sunset Magazine, where he served as a senior writer… No replacement has been named."


Lucy Pollak passes on the news that new-ish Where Los Angeles editor Kristin Viola has left. Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Epstein confirms that pitches should now go to Katie McCarthy, associate editor. @WhereLA.com is her address (Katie.McCarthy)


Thanks to Cary Baker and Rachel Reynolds for the press release about Jason Bentley replacing Nic Harcourt as KCRW Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic, effective December 1. It's been pretty widely reported, but you can still see the press release here. And LAIst says that "DJ Garth Trinidad will be back weeknights on the station in the 8-10 p.m. time-slot."


Thanks again to Lucy Pollak for letting us know that Glenn Esterly is no longer with the Culver City News and interim editor (at yahoo.com) is Gary Kohatsu (gkscriptman).


Restaurant publicists should note this from Peter Dills, who is celebrating the second season of "The Chef Knows" on KJLA TV:

The show airs every Sunday night on cable KJLA TV and Satellite Channel LA TV 57. We take a look at neighborhood and larger eateries and often are looking for the "Best"... the Best taco, margarita or mojito, for example. Often we select a city and spotlight reasons to visit that city. This week we visit the Westin Hotel and the chef is going to make his cranberry stuffing.

Reach him @yahoo.com. (thechefknows)


LA Observed has details of the Fairchild Publications decision…

…effective Monday, Nov. 24, we will begin the integration of men’s wear coverage into WWD. DNR will cease publication with that day’s edition. Some of DNR’s staffers will be reassigned to WWD, reflecting their various areas of expertise.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

November 17, 2008 News

Hot off the press, so to speak, from Veronique de Turenne (filling in for Kevin at LA Observed):

1. LA Times Real Estate Editor Lauren Beale's layoff was rescinded, and she remains in that position;

2. At the LA office of Entertainment Weekly, Chris Willman and Shirley Halperin, who covered music, were laid off.


The LA Times' staff list is back up on the web site – but NOT updated, and it contains numerous names of folks axed in the last few weeks. Sigh.

But news still trickles out…

Mary MacVean, formerly on the news assignment desk, is now "is moving to the Features staff as a writer who will specialize in issues relating to food. We anticipate her reports will appear in all of the weekly feature sections, in addition to news," according to the Times' Readers Rep blog.

According to the Times' Readers Rep blog, Millie Quan, who was to become a features senior editor with a mission to bring more features stories to Page One, instead was named senior editor/enterprise, effective immediately. According to the statement, "The recent round of staff cuts prompted us to reconsider" the earlier plan.

More from the announcement:

In her new role, Millie will edit Column Ones, helping fill the void created when Roger Smith became national editor. She also will edit narratives, projects and other enterprise. Millie will continue to work with the national editor and several reporters whose stories she edited on the national desk.

From the LA Watts Times:

Aisha Mori Coleman is no longer with the L.A. Watts Times, our new Managing Editor is Samuel Richard, please send your messages to (lawattstimes.com) him at sam@.

Courtesy of LA Observed, Rebecca Schoenkopf has resigned as editor of LA City Beat. Take the link for details.

November 10, 2008 News

Thanks to Cary Baker for this info from the music industry tipsheet FMQB:

Harcourt Steps Down

KCRW/Santa Monica MD Nic Harcourt has resigned his posts as MD and Morning Becomes Eclectic host, effective November 30 Harcourt will pursue independent projects and continue to host a three-hour show on Sundays from 6-9 PM.

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to come to work every day and be surrounded by creative and passionate people and I want to keep the connection alive on my Sunday show,” says Harcourt. “Since I arrived here, I’ve fulfilled many of my dreams as a music lover, meeting and interviewing legends like Neil Young, Paul McCartney,Willie Nelson and Cat Stevens (Yusuf). I’ve also been able to set the stage for future stars, introducing artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, Dido and Norah Jones on KCRW’s airwaves. I’m equally proud to have played many unsigned and independent artists and to be a champion for Latin Alternative music.

“As a parent of two young children, I believe it’s time for me to explore new career opportunities and expand upon my other activities in movie, television, voice over work, advertising and the Internet. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to KCRW, the staff and volunteers who have supported my work through the years, but most of all to the listeners. I’ve always said that I couldn’t do what I do without them and I hope they will join me on Sunday nights,” said Harcourt.

“Nic has enhanced KCRW’s reputation for introducing new artists to listeners in Southern California and beyond on radio and the Internet,” comments KCRW GM Ruth Seymour. His singular gifts as a radio deejay and his ability to spot new talent attracted major media attention from both national and international press. He made performing on MBE an opportunity to be heard by top entertainment executives. In quite a number of instances it led to record contracts, television appearances and club dates.”

Harcourt has served in his posts for 10-years, becoming synonymous with both KCRW and MBE, leaving big shoes to fill.

“Nic is a hard act to follow”, adds Seymour. “We are now in the process of choosing a new Music Director. We have been looking at potential candidates with an eye toward announcing a choice in the new few weeks.”

November 3, 2008 News

NOTHING BUT BAD NEWS

I've been on vacation for most of October, so this is a recap of (heartbreaking) news you've likely already heard. Best wishes and good thoughts go out to all who've lost their jobs, among them colleagues and friends we've all known for years.

LA TIMES LAYOFFS

This is from LA Observed, which is keeping an ongoing list of the 75 editorial staffers laid off last week. Names are below, titles/descriptions can be found by taking the link.

(AND MEANWHILE, THE EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTORY PAGE AT LATIMES.COM IS MIA -- FILE NOT FOUND, AT LEAST WHEN I LAST CHECKED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.)

Carina Chocano
Maria Russo
Scott Timberg
Stephen Braun
Annie Wells
Veronique de Turenne
Mary Rourke
Lauren Beale
John Mitchell
Diane Wedner
Lynell George
Agustin Gurza
Valli Herman
Swati Pandey
Susan LaTempa
Mindy Farabee
Lonnie White
Lynn Smith
Francisco Vara-Orta
Erin Weinger
Thomas Bonk
Emili Vesilind
Karen Tapia-Anderson
Barbara Morrow
David Ng
Susan Brink
Denise Gellene
H.G. (Gil) Reza
Lea Lion
Con Keyes
Steve Springer


DAILY NEWS DEPARTURES

Again, check this link from LA Observed for details; here are the names of those laid off or otherwise gone (buyouts) at the Daily News:

Evan Henerson
Timothy Haddock
Barbara Correa
Mark Kellam


LA WEEKLY DEPARTURES

Thanks once more to LA Observed for this info; get details by clicking the link.

Marc Cooper
Sharan Street
David Caplan
Matthew Fleischer
Laura Steele
Pandora Young


CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR CEASES DAILY EDITIONS

Read this article for more, but basically, and I quote from the subhead:

In 2009, the Monitor will become the first nationally circulated newspaper to replace its daily print edition with its website; the 100 year-old news organization will also offer subscribers weekly print and daily e-mail editions.

MEANWHILE….

While all this was going on, some of these same publications announced some musical chairs moves.

From Cision:

The Daily News in Woodland Hills, Calif. has made some recent staff changes. John Miller has been named city editor. He previously oversaw night city coverage. Barbara Jones, former content editor, is now the special projects editor. Jason Kandel, previously a police and crime staff writer, is now news editor for the Web site. City hall reporter Kerry Cavanaugh, will become an editorial page writer at the end of October.

Nicholas Goldberg, is the new deputy editorial page editor overseeing the Opinion page for the Los Angeles Times while Sue Horton, has returned to her former role as the Sunday opinion editor. Goldberg previously served as the opinion editor and joined the paper in 2002. Horton most recently served as a deputy California editor for enterprise. Prior to that, she was the Sunday opinion editor for roughly three years.

The Los Angeles Times has promoted Alice Short to the title of assistant managing editor for features overseeing the health, food, home, travel and image section. She replaces Leo Wolinsky. Short previously served as the news features editor, beginning in March 2006. Before that, she was a calendar editor for the paper. She also served as an editor of the now defunct Los Angeles Times Magazine from 1997 to 2002.

Liane Roth has been upped to features editor of the Valley Life section at the Antelope Valley Press… She was previously a features reporter, but was named editor when Kim Rawley stepped back to take a teaching position. Rawley is now a features and lifestyle reporter and columnist for the daily.

October 13, 2008 News

POSITIVE NEWS ABOUT LA TIMES OCTOBER MAGAZINE

I really enjoyed David Steinberg's hilarious interview with Jon Stewart!

NEGATIVE NEWS ABOUT LAYOFFS AT KNX AND KFWB

This is from the Orange County Register:

CBS Radio delivered layoffs news to KFWB/980 AM and KNX/1070 AM, pink-slipping three anchors, several reporters and KFWB is also closing both its Orange County and Long Beach news bureaus.

Although CBS did not officially release the names of those who were laid off, other CBS sources confirmed the list included bureau chief Lori Kelman and Jennifer Bauman in the Orange County bureau and Sharon Katchen in the Long Beach bureau.

Bauman, reached at KOCE/50 in Huntington Beach where she freelances for "Real Orange," said, "I’m disappointed for me, but I am even more disappointed for the three million people who live in Orange County who lose our coverage." Kelman, reached at home Friday night, confirmed her exit and said "it's a sad day for everyone."

Katchen has been with KFWB since 1986 and worked in the Orange County bureau for several years before moving over to run the Long Beach bureau. "Everybody needs good luck right now," Katchen said, confirming that the Long Beach bureau is closing.

Others reportedly dismissed Friday at KFWB included anchors Larry Carroll and John Darin, reporters Lonnie Lardner, Dirk Morgan, Chris Sedens, Michael Forest, and Christine Villacorte.

Carroll, a prominent local TV news anchor on KABC/7 and KCBS/2, joined KFWB in 2001. Lardner was critically praised for her recent series on influential power players called "Head Shots."

A KNX spokesperson said Gerry Mulvaney, who works in creative services and did voiceovers for the station, was laid off, but he could not provide any other names. Other CBS sources not wanting to be identified listed Michael Linder, Vicky Cox and Laura Ornest among those laid off.

Cox, Katchen, Kelman and Bauman are all Orange County residents.

IN OTHER NEWS…

From writer Brenda Rees:

I'm leaving the fast-paced and hectic world of full-time freelancing to take on the position of public relations manager at Descanso Gardens. I'm excited to combine my writing and photography skills at such a great institution that's close to home. I may be able to squeeze in some freelancing on the side, so keep me on your lists!

September 29, 2008 News

NEW LA TIMES AM ASSIGNMENT EDITOR

Nita Lelyveld replaces Megan Garvey, who takes on a different job, as LA Times morning assignment editor. More details here.


RIP

Elmer Dills, veteran restaurant critic, died September 15 at age 82. According to the LA Times:

A public memorial service for Elmer Dills, the longtime restaurant and travel critic for KABC-TV and KABC-AM radio, will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena.

Chris Rubin, another food writer, died August 15 (way too young) at 49. This is from the Los Feliz Ledger.

Chris Rubin, Wine and Spirits columnist for the Los Feliz Ledger and writer for many local and national publications, died Aug. 15th in Los Angeles of complications of cancer. He was 49. Rubin had received a liver transplant in June 2006 after a diagnosis of a rare vascular cancer, epitheliod hemangioendothelioma. He wrote movingly of his close brush with death, his subsequent marriage, and his heightened appreciation of life in articles for the Ledger and the Los Angeles Times’ Opinion section. Rubin, a longtime Silver Lake resident, had written for magazines and newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Daily Variety and Travel & Leisure. Born in Los Angeles, Rubin attended UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. He combined his passions for music, food, wine and travel in his articles, which also appeared in Rolling Stone and the L.A. Weekly. Most recently he served as Los Angeles editor for Gayot publications. He is survived by his wife, film writer-producer Deborah Calla; father Stanley; mother Kathleen; sister Angie and brothers John and Michael.

CHANGES AT PRESS ENTERPRISE

According to Cision's Navigator:

Patricia Mays recently accepted a buyout from The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif. and left her post as the sports editor. Assistant managing editor David Ammenheuser is now the best contact for sports-related inquiries.

September 24, 2008 News

The LA Daily News has moved! New address:
21860 Burbank Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367


Congratulations to New Yorker Classical Music Critic Alex Ross for being honored with a MacArthur Genius Award! Read more about it here.


On the other side of the coin... check out this excellent column by the Baltimore Sun's Tim Smith on the Cleveland Plain Dealer's spineless decision to "cave into pressure from a faction representing the [Cleveland] orchestra" by prohibiting its veteran music critic Don Rosenberg from covering the symphony any more in favor of a different critic who, presumably, won't be as, well, critical.


Steve Harvey, another highly missed former LA Times writer, starts a blog.

September 18, 2008 News

LAIst previews former LA Times writer Kevin Bronson's soon-to-debut Buzz Bands music blog.


Michael Jackson is gone from KGIL radio, replaced by conservative commentator Laura Ingraham's syndicated talk show. The OC Register's radio blog has this:

Missing is Michael Jackson, whose one-year contract was not renewed. Jackson learned of his dismissal when he returned home Sept. 10 from an Alaska cruise ship trip.

He e-mailed, "No comment, save to say that I found the staff delightful and I had a most enjoyable year. The rest of the story will be told (not by me), very soon. Be well."

KGIL management had no additional comment.

From Christian Chensvold about his FineArtsLA.com web site:

FineArtsLA is sort of in limbo… the site is for sale, if you know anyone who might be interested. The buyer would get:

---An established site already respected by the Opera, Phil, Ballet, and smaller groups, so the buyer can get immediate press passes and access to talent for interviews.

---Plus the Forty Unders program, which has great potential for partnerships in the community, etc.

Even though this site was inconsistently updated, it would be a shame for yet another outlet for arts coverage to disappear, so contact Christian if you are interested in discussing this or know anyone that would. It's Christian@

September 15, 2008 News

FishbowlLA has this about a new magazine, Homefront LA, that is described on its website as one that:

…celebrates the unique, exciting lifestyle of Angelenos at home. The magazine goes beyond architecture, home design and real estate to feature people who have a passion for the everyday luxury of home.

It launches in January 2009. An editorial contact email on the homefrontla.com website is edit@.


Los Angeles Confidential's New York address (the Niche Media offices from which most of its staffers work) has changed recently:
100 Church St
7th Floor
New York, NY 10007-2601


Writer Harriette Smith asks to have her film and theatre blog mentioned here. She can be reached via aol at harriettepr@.

September 5, 2008 News

Did you see the news about ALL of KCSN's programs being cancelled? It's on LA Observed, which called its post "Programming slaughter at KCSN."


This rather odd memo with all kinds of TMI came from the LA Times announcing wizards a week or so ago, but the news is basically that the LA Times' Donna Frazier, a perfectly nice person, has been named Image section executive editor.


Not sure when this happened, but Abigail Lewis replaced Avital Binshtock as editor of Valley Life Magazine. New aol.com email address is: ValleyLifeMag@. I learned separately that Avital is now doing the LA Times Travel section "Tours & Cruises" column as a free-lancer.


Amanda Peabody replaces Beige Adams at the Beverly Hills Courier and Design Magazine. Email at bhcourier.com is apeabody@. Editor Marcia Hobbs reports the magazine's expansion into fashion coverage as well.


Wall Street Journal's new lifestyle magazine WSJ. (note the ridiculous period) debuts Saturday, and you'll find the LA Times' new magazine LA (no periods that I'm aware of) in your paper on Sunday. Can't WAIT to read about Kid Rock. Not.

August 25, 2008 News

Thanks to the ever-on-top-of-things Lucy Pollak for this…

Got a message from Nancy Bishop that the Venice Magazine calendar has been discontinued with the September issue, and that the gmail venicemagcal address has been disabled.

And this…

Kristin Viola is now the editor of Where LA. Benjamin Epstein remains as Executive Editor, but he will concentrate primarily on Where OC and Performances magazine.

I just spoke with Benjamin, and he's also editor of the company's Guestbook LA and Guestbook Orange County. Keep him on your lists, especially because Performances covers LA-area arts.


The Advocate goes from bi-weekly to monthly in January, according to an announcement from Jon Barrett, the magazine's new editor-in-chief.


Oscar Garza turns up at the Daily News. About that and more on high-level staff courtesy of LA Observed.


Cision's Revolving Door has news of the demise of two magazines: Hachette Filipacchi's Home and Heart's Town & Country Travel.

GET OUT YOUR ROLODEXES

LA Observed has a memo from LA Times' Leo Wolinsky, associate editor overseeing features announcing that Millie Quan has been named to the new position of senior features editor. Take the link to read more about this plus other recent Times appointments.

Does anyone still actually use rolodexes?


TRUE TO FORM

Thanks to Leticia Buckley for passing this on from the LA Times' Shayna Sobol, who is one of the best communicators at the Times, always responsive, which is always appreciated by us PR types:

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've touched base with you. As I'm sure most of you know, there have been many changes going on at the Times and I, like everyone else, am trying to keep up with them.

I'm told that the arts coverage in print, and that includes theater and dance listings, is a topic that is still very much in discussion. However, for the time being, our print listings will only appear in Sunday Calendar. I am greatly disappointed about this but I realize, more than ever now, how important it is to embrace the Guide website. After all, it's the only sure place to see your events listed. Our staff is pretty slim, but we will make every effort to post submissions in a timely manner.

Which brings me to two reminders:

1. Please continue to submit your events to us! I know you're probably frustrated with the reduced coverage, but I'm still here and I'm still monitoring that in-box, which has seen a decrease in submissions of late. The address to get to the form is simple: latimes.com/submit

2. For review and/or feature coverage consideration, send your press releases to Lisa Fung. (I am open to receiving press releases, in addition to your events submission forms, but instead of counting on me to forward them to Lisa, it's a good idea to get them to her directly.)

I hope this note finds all of you well and working on new and exciting projects. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm looking forward to being overwhelmed with your submissions... go ahead, pile them on!

And, as always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the listings, the Guide site... whatever's on your mind.

All the best,
Shayna

August 14, 2008 News

New show, here's the scoop:

The Bonnie Hunt Show, produced by Telepictures and Warner Bros. will premiere on September 8. You might remember Bonnie from such films as The Green Mile, Dave, Rain Man, Jumanji, Jerry Maguire, and Cheaper By The Dozen as well as her hit ABC sitcom, Life With Bonnie. She will be seated behind a desk and feature two celebrities a day as well as other guests, from everyday people to experts. She is a premiere talent who’s incredibly quick, funny and relatable. Though she’s worked with nearly every big name in Hollywood, she’s still “your next door neighbor with a first-class talk show”. BONNIE show will be shot in front of an audience, live-to-tape to air the following day. The show tapes Monday-Wednesday at 4pm and Thursday at 2pm and 6pm at The Culver Studios. BONNIE was one of the fastest programs to clear and has been sold in 97% of the country. We will air at 2pm in New York and 12PM in Los Angeles on NBC.

Contact is:
JAMES AVENELL, TALENT EXECUTIVE (email ext. below is bonniehunttv.com)
THE BONNIE HUNT SHOW
9336 W. Washington Blvd. Bldg. J, Culver City, CA 90232
310.845.2541 james.avenell@
http://www.thebonniehuntshow.com/


UCLA Live is looking for a staff senior publicist. According to the departing Holly Wallace (returning to New Orleans as director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance), the position is now posted (req. #12491). Apply online here.


News from Paul Del Colle at Walek & Associates:

Dow Jones & Company… announced that Kathleen Madigan, who formerly worked at BusinessWeek Magazine, will join the Dow Jones Newswires editorial team as “Big Picture” columnist and economics writer. Ms. Madigan will start her duties on August 11, 2008, and will focus on all aspects of U.S. economics coverage.

This was passed on by Brenda Rees some weeks ago, sorry for the delay:

Premiering in September - THE Magazine LA, a new visually oriented, monthly periodical devoted to the contemporary visual art scene in Los Angeles.

Each issue features:

UNIVERSE OF - Stories of both emerging and established artists

FEATURES - In-depth coverage of the Los Angeles art scene, from exclusive interviews with contemporary artists, collectors, and curators in Los Angeles to coverage of important curatorial work

PREVIEWS - Coverage of what's coming up in LA's galleries, museums, art centers, and more

CRITICAL REFLECTIONS - Where we share with readers - no holds barred - our responses to what's going on in the contemporary art world around town including reviews of important exhibitions

To be considered for reviews and previews

Please forward us any and all press releases for your upcoming exhibitions. Attach 3 to 4 high resolution files of work from each exhibition. Extension to email below is THEmagLA.com

Send Press Releases and images to listings@

August 11, 2008 News

It's hard to keep track of who's leaving and who's gone at the LA Times, but these relatively recent LA Observed links include some updates, here and here.


More details about the LA Times' new magazine here.


Nice story about the lead-up to KPPC "Off Ramp" host John Rabe's marriage to partner Julian Bermudez in the Pasadena Star News on Saturday, the wedding day.


JuliB replaces Angeleno's Hot List online/email. JuliB.com web site instructs:

to submit information for editorial consideration, please e-mail images and details to submissions@ (etc). You may also send product samples to:
www.julib.com
att: editorial review
302a west 12th street
new york, ny 10014
http://www.julib.com/submissions.html

Happy birthday to RR!!

July 25, 2008 News

LA TIMES GUIDE CONTACTS UPDATES

LA Times Guide Associate Editor Perry Crowe is out, per an email he sent yesterday, which was his last day.

And Enid Portuguez's last day is today (her departure was previously announced), but she was kind enough to send around this very helpful information about the (now online only) Guide. All email addresses are firstname.lastname at latimes.com.

For future pitches to The Guide, please contact the following:

Arts & Museums: David Ng
Bars & Clubs: Charlie Amter
Events & Festivals: Elina Shatkin
Movies & TV, Soundboard blog: Margaret Wappler
Music, Soundboard blog: August Brown
Restaurants: Jessica Gelt
Theater & Stage: Lea Lion
Photos: Tara Godvin
All other Guide inquiries: Dean Kuipers

INTERESTING AUTO-RESPONSE FROM STUDIO CITY SUN

Given the attention to PR man Jack McGrath's "open letter to Sam Zell" ad in the Studio City Sun running today, the following is curious. PR Maven Lucy Pollak received this auto-response to an email she sent to Managing Editor Karen Young:

Sun Community Newspapers (Studio City Sun, Sherman Oaks Sun, Encino Sun) are on hiatus for the month of August as we explore options that will allow us to continue to bring our fiercely local publications free to the community every week. Please direct any questions or inquiries to judy@suncommunitynewspapers.com

If you need to reach me, please email [personal email address].

July 23, 2008 News

GOODBYES

Forgive a little personal weeping, but I had to say goodbye this week to my friend Adam Crane, LA Phil PR Director, who is remarkable personally and professionally in so many ways. He's leaving L.A. to grace the St. Louis Symphony as Director of Communications, and he WILL be missed. A lot. A bunch of us were lucky enough to enjoy his farewell fest this week, attended by as many media-folk fans of Adam's as LA Phil/Hollywood Bowl folk.

Also there was just-laid-off LA Times writer Chris Pasles (there really can't be a nicer man), who's about to embark on a long-planned vacation. The good news is that he'll likely do some free-lance writing for the Times in 2009. We miss you already, Chris!


LA TIMES STAFF FAREWELLS

TellZell.com has a collection of "farewell" emails sent by axed LA Times staffers to their colleagues. Among my favorites is this from former Health section writer Janet Cromley. (NO apologies to Lee Abrams, ha ha.)

Subject: THINK PIECE!!!

Idea for saving (news)paper: What if every other word were RED? Then you could fit two stories in the space of one!

OR what if we printed the paper with DISAPPEARING INK? Green readers could tote the empty paper to Kinkos and get a refill. Whoa!! And what if we dispatched some, whatchacallit.writers, to FOREIGN-SOUNDING countries like PARIS or PEKING .and had them talk to people.and blackberry the news from there? Think about it.

And finally, if a reporter innovates a fond farewell in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it still sound like ... SO LONG, SUCKERS!!!???

Adios my dear friends,
Janet Cromley -- Sept 9, 1992 - July 18, 2008

INFO AT WWD.COM ON NEW LA TIMES MAGAZINE

WWD.com has a story on the…

soon-to-be-relaunched and already controversial monthly magazine, which has been quietly staffing up under Annie Gilbar, who a spokeswoman for the Times confirmed will serve as editor. The editorial team so far includes familiar names in the glossy magazine world, among others: Celebrity stylist Lori Goldstein began as fashion director on July 1 (though she is not working in the office full-time), and several former House & Garden staffers are either on staff or contributing part-time, including former Testy Tastemaker columnist Mayer Rus, contributing food editor Lora Zarubin and contributing senior editor Paul Fortune, according to several sources.

Read the full thing here.

A little tip from me: I can't completely confirm all of the above names (except for Annie Gilbar and Mayer Rus), but staffers at the mag, due in September, can be reached at firstname.lastname at the regular latimes.com address.


P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO!!

July 17, 2008 News

LISA FUNG IS NOT LISA FONG

Happily, LA Times Arts Editor Lisa Fung was not among the ousted staffers, even though Variety confused her with the Lisa Fong who was. Spread the word to anyone who was misled by Variety's error.


MARTIN PERLICH SHARES SOME GOOD NEWS

Hi Colleagues, ARF!! Guests and Friends:

After 8 glorious years at KCSN, I'm leaving to publish my own Website (currently under construction). Beginning in September it will present New Releases, New Music by living composers and interviews with major contributors to the Arts: Film, Theatre, Literature, Dance, Jazz, and of course "classical" music.

Please stay in touch at the address below, keeping me on your mailing lists for CDs, Press Releases, etc.

Have a great summer.

See you in September!

Best
Martin Perlich Interviews
398 North Huntley Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Perlix [at] sbcglobal DOT net

I'll post when Martin's site is up and running.

July 16, 2008 News

MORE BAD NEWS - MARTIN PERLICH LEAVES KCSN

Here's the memo. I have no comment because everyone can read between the lines.

Greetings Dear KCSN Staffers ~

I have just been informed by CSUN Human Resources that our esteemed Program Director Martin Perlich has opted for retirement effective immediately.

I would like to personally thank Martin for his many years of dedicated service to KCSN FM; to our programming mission; and for his tireless enthusiasm. He helped greatly in the advancement of our radio station in many areas including increased public awareness, professional imaging, programming, and fundraising. His top-notch interviewing skills have helped put us on the map here in Los Angeles..

Please join me in wishing our colleague Martin Perlich great joys and successes in the years to come. It has been a pleasure working with you Martin. Needless to say you will be missed by all.

Sincerest best wishes, and bon voyage!
Fred
Frederick D. Johnson
KCSN General Manager

LA TIMES LAYOFFS LIST

Almost more names than one can bear are listed on TellZell.com.

From LA Observed:

This is a note that someone in the Los Angeles Times building taped to the wall where past Pulitzer winners are recognized. A bouquet of flowers was left on the floor under the note.

July 14, 2008

EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS – LA TIMES LAYOFFS IN CALENDAR SECTION

Lynne Heffley, Chris Pasles and Kevin Bronson are among the Calendar section writers laid off today.

I'll publish here anything else I hear. You probably already know that Publisher David Hiller is out. Keep an eye on LAObserved for other updates.

July 10, 2008 News

READ IT AND WEEP (OR NOT)

LA Observed has news about the LA Times, including this:

[Wednesday's] issue of the auto section Highway 1 was the last one, the paper confirmed in an editor's note. Pulitzer-winning columnist Dan Neil will move to the Business pages on July 18. No word yet on where, or whether, Susan Carpenter's Throttle Jockey column will go. (Her latest.) Also, the weekly listings section The Guide will stop being printed after July 24.

Full post is here.


ANNE MIDGETTE NAMED TIM PAGE'S PERMANENT REPLACEMENT

From a Washington Post internal memo posted at Media Bistro's Fishbowl DC:

We are delighted to announce that Anne Midgette is the Post's new classical music critic. She has been filling in on a temporary basis since January.

Memo in full is here.


WHEN PUBLICISTS COLLIDE

I had the pleasure of meeting the delightful Lucy Pollak, theatre publicist extraordinaire, on Tuesday.

Among her current projects is this production by Jeff Favre, which we should all go see:

Theater critic and columnist Jeff Favre (Back Stage West, Daily Breeze, Downtown News, Ventura County Star) has written a new Garage Rock musical which premieres July 19-August 16 at art/works Theatre in Hollywood. This is great rock and roll - Jeff wrote the book, and the music and lyrics are by lead singer Missy Gibson and guitarist Mike Flanagan of the indie band Breech (indie-music.com's Top 25 CDs of 2007 for "Tarnish and Undress" and winner of the 2003 DIY Album of the Year with its release, "Apron Strings"), It's 1983, and Chip and his budding garage band are looking for the new sound that will take them to the next level - much to the dismay of Chip's mom (played by Breech's Missy Gibson) a singer-songwriter from the '60s with a checkered past and a belief that good music is more than a simple hook. For tickets to "The Next Big Thing," call (323) 960-4418 or go to http://thenextbigthingmusical.com.

JOE FEINSTEIN, RIP

If you ever worked with Joseph Feinstein, you might have known him as a sometimes-reviewer of stuff from theatre to restaurants, for outlets ranging from online blogs to the Westside Today newspapers. I knew him as that but also as a teacher at my high school, lo those many years ago. Joe passed away in May, and you might enjoy learning about his past in this LA Times obit. He was a man whose work at Grant High School touched many, many kids' lives.


USA TODAY'S WILLIAM KECK HEADS TO TV GUIDE

From Media Bistro's Fishbowl LA:

Longtime USA Today entertainment columnist Will Keck makes his move to TV Guide to become the senior editor of the mag's Hollywood bureau.

From the press release:

Mr. Keck will launch a weekly column in TV Guide magazine about the latest TV news, shows, and stars, as well as write features and news stories and report from the red carpet at all major entertainment events…. The addition of Mr. Keck to TV Guide comes on the heels of a new look and attitude to the 20+ million weekly readers-strong magazine, resulting in several promotions of its top editors including Lisa Chambers as managing editor (formerly features director), Carol Dittbrenner as features director (formerly deputy features director), and Bruce Fretts as articles editor (formerly editor-at-large).

Read the whole thing here.

June 30, 2008 News

NEW APPOINTMENT AT LA TIMES

From the LA Times Readers Representative blog:

Amanda Covarrubias will be moving to a newly created morning-news post on the city desk. This job will be a hybrid of reporting and editing…

Read the whole memo here.


FROM CISION'S THE NAVIGATOR:

Stephen Galloway has been appointed executive editor of features and events at the The Hollywood Reporter. He oversees the features department. He was most recently a contributing editor, although he has previously held the title of executive editor and served as a columnist for the publication.

And

Laura Bird, weekend news editor at The Wall Street Journal, is now overseeing travel coverage for the The Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition and editing the weekly Chefs at Home column. Bird replaces Janelle Carrigan, who, as The Navigator previously reported, has been appointed features editor for WSJ.

FROM MUSICAL AMERICA

Miami Herald Drops Its Classical Critic

On Tuesday, Miami Herald Classical Music Critic Lawrence Johnson received an “involuntary buyout” from his newspaper. Just to be clear, the word “buyout” when preceded by “involuntary” means laid off, in this case with eight weeks severance pay. Such is Johnson’s paper parachute.

The Miami Herald is located literally across the street from the two-year-old Adrienne Arsht (formerly “Carnival”) Center for the Performing Arts, which was built at a cost to Miamians of just under $600 million and houses the Florida Grand Opera, the New World Symphony, the Concert Association of Florida and the Miami Ballet, among others. Apparently, the Herald isn’t very interested in covering the neighborhood.

FROM WALEK & ASSOCIATES

Dow Jones & Company today announced that Al Lewis, the award-winning editor/columnist, blogger and television commentator for The Denver Post, has joined the Dow Jones Newswires editorial team. Mr. Lewis will begin his duties on June 30 and will write a wide-ranging new business column that offers an unconventional perspective on business, companies and the people who run them.

AP ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE UPDATE

Check out this blog post about a recent event at which Associated Press entertainment editors and reporters gathered "to introduce the wire service's ambitious new approach to entertainment news coverage."


YES INDEED, MORE IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF RASCAL FLATTS… REALLY GOOD AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS FROM TRIBUNE "INNOVATION" CHIEF LEE ABRAMS

This guy, as T.J. Simers might say, lives (unfortunately) among us. Directly quoted from a memo by Tribune "innovation chief" Lee Abrams:

BUFFETT AND BARTOK MUST UNITE: : It seems like music coverage is not complete. There seems to be outstanding coverage of High end music, but with mass appeal artists, I notice that there's cursory pre event coverage and often a review AFTER the show. All good, but I wish we'd treat Jimmy Buffett, or Toby Keith, or any of the mega artists with the same informational tactics. The Morning Call in Allentown recently adapted such an approach. In their GO section they went deep into what to expect. Tools for a decision. Predicted set list, tips on what to expect, etc...My point here is that I noticed a paper doing a massive story on a local Opera. That's fine. Then there's a long story about an emerging alternative band. That's fine. But then when Pop music superstars are coming to town, that reaches a far larger audience, you don't see the same coverage. As if we're "too cool" to go big with Rascal Flatts or Genesis.

Thanks to L.A. Observed for Abrams' pearls of Wisdom, more of which you can read, if you dare, here.


PATT DIROLL'S PASADENA STAR NEWS COLUMN RUNS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Thank goodness for Patt – dare I call her a fabulous doyenne? -- who has long provided a terrific outlet for coverage of charities and fund-raisers. Her Pasadena Star News "On the Town" column and its "Social Calendar" sidebar now run every Wednesday on the Celebrations section front page.


ALFRED LEE GOES TO PASADENA STAR NEWS

The Reporter-G blog reveals this good news about Alfred Lee::

The Pasadena Star-News has a new reporter. Alfred Lee, formerly of L.A. CityBeat, will cover the foothill cities of Arcadia, Sierra Madre and Temple City for the Singleton paper.

FROM NIKKI FINKE ABOUT NEW YORK TIMES FILM WRITER DAVID HALBFINGER

Nikki Finke has the news about New York Times/LA Bureau film beat writer David Halbfinger taking a hike back to the East Coast.

June 16, 2008 News

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS FROM LA OBSERVED

1) Tu Ciudad ceases publication. Details here.

2) Nikki Bazar is leaving for graduate school and Joshua Lurie becomes editor of New Angeles Monthly.

FROM MEDIA BISTRO'S REVOLVING DOOR

Time's arts editor Belinda Luscombe rotates out into an editor-at-large role and will return to writing features, while her replacement is the surprising outsider Radhika Jones, managing editor of the Paris Review...

COME ONE, COME ALL

944 Magazine is all about getting emails from us PR types. You'll find the details here.

Also, Martine Bury has replaced the departed Emmy Kasten as editor in chief.

OLDER NEWS

This happened weeks ago, but it takes effect July 1. From this story:

Copley News Service will be sold to Creators Syndicate by The Copley Press, the companies announced Wednesday [May 28]. The sale, for an undisclosed price, takes effect July 1. On that date, Copley News Service will be renamed Creators News Service. The sale is the latest in a series by The Copley Press, which appears to be focusing on its main asset, the San Diego Union-Tribune.

June 10, 2008 News

LA OBSERVED GETS IT RIGHT, AS USUAL

Read this post about the LA Times' new hire – drumroll… a Celebrity Courts Reporter -- it's classic and so right...

… and this one about the transgender metamorphosis of the LA Times Magazine.

Here's a link directly to the New York Times story with all the gory details.


NO MORE PARTY COVERAGE IN LA TIMES CALENDAR

While it seems to be at odds with the LA Times' morbid fascination with celebrity, I was told that there is no more "Party Page" in Calendar. Apparently what remains of that sort of thing is left to the Image section.


LA TIMES ARTS EDITORS JUNE 18 EVENT CHANGES VENUE

This event is just about "sold out" (space-wise), so I took down the link in my post about it below.

For those of you who signed up, though, make sure you know that the venue has changed. Here's the info I received:

This event is hosted at David Henry Hwang Theater at East West Players, with the L.A. Times and presented by Terence McFarland, LA Stage Alliance, and Michelle Mierz, L.A. Contemporary Dance.

6.5.2008 ***Please note change of venue***

Wednesday, June 18th, please arrive at East West Players at 120 North Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 and park on the street or at City Lot #7, which is $7.00 per car adjacent to the theatre.

Doors open at 4:00 pm
Program from 4:30-6:00 pm, facilitated by LA Stage Alliance.

June 9, 2008 News

OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

Just got back from the concluding concert of the 2008 Ojai Music Festival, which was fantastic. Tim Mangan's blog has some wonderful coverage, but you have to experience it in person. There's nothing like sitting under the trees in Libbey Bowl with the sun spotlighting succeeding audience rows, the birds (and random sirens) chiming in, and music I'd probably never choose to hear anywhere else – but in Ojai it's magic. Even the sunsets are different in Ojai.

Make room in your 2009 schedule NOW for next year's event, June 9 – 14.

top photo: Bob Millard
bottom photo: Hugh Stegman

LA TIMES

This joyous news, with links, from Media Bistro's Revolving Door newsletter:

A panicked Sam Zell has pressed the self-destruct button at Tribune Publishing, having announced a plan yesterday that calls for steep cuts in the number of news pages, printed pages, and the journalists producing those pages across its various newspapers. From here on out, the ratio of ad-to-edit pages has been capped at 50-50, meaning the Los Angeles Times will begin slashing 82 news pages from the paper each week. Eager to prove that his blood runs colder than even Rupert Murdoch's, Zell had his No. 2, COO Randy Michaels, explicate on a conference call with investors and press that the average journalist at the LA Times produces 51 pages per year, while his or her counterparts in Hartford, Conn. produce 300 pages. You can draw your own conclusions, but they seem pretty clear to us: what Tribune needs is harder working reporters (from a quantity-over-quality point-of-view) and fewer of them. As Michaels put it on the call: "If you work hard and are producing a lot for us, everything is great." And if not, you're dead and you just don't know it yet...

LA Observed has Sam Zell's latest idea-filled memo and some staff updates here.

Also, this from LA Observed:

As Mark Lacter reported last night at LA Biz Observed, longtime business reporter Thomas Mulligan is fleeing to Sitrick and Company and assistant business editor Anne Reifenberg is jumping to Bloomberg in Los Angeles. Jim Newton submitted his resignation as editor of the editorial pages earlier this week. And it looks as if the down-to-monthly Sunday magazine will be dropped entirely.

CITY BEAT NEWS

Here's a follow up to the City Beat news in my last post.


NEW YORK, NEW YORK

More from Media Bistro's Revolving Door newsletter:

New staffers at the WALL STREET JOURNAL's soon-to-debut glossy magazine are assistant features editor Kate Auletta and Weekend Journal travel editor Janelle Carrigan, who's the features editor.

Modern Luxury Group launches MANHATTAN, a controlled-circulation bi-monthly with Richard Martin as editor-in-chief, James Heidenry as executive editor, and Lauren DeCarlo as senior editor. They're located at # 7 W. 51st Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019.


VARIETY IS INDEED MOVING ITS OFFICES

So says this piece in the LA Times. Let me just add that any building owned and renovated/restored by ultra-cool developer Wayne Ratkovich (The Wiltern/Pellissier building) is an extra-amazing location.


LA TIMES ARTS EVENT ON JUNE 18

Calling all Los Angeles artists and arts organizations!
Come meet the staff of the L.A. Times who cover your work and learn more about how decisions on coverage are made for their print and online reports.

This event is hosted by the L.A. Times and presented by Terence McFarland, LA Stage Alliance, and Michelle Mierz, L.A. Contemporary Dance.

WHEN: Wednesday June 18th
Doors open at 4:00 pm
Program 4:30-6:00 pm

WHERE: L.A. Times offices, 202 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-4105. Enter on Spring Street and check in with security. They will have your name if you RSVP via the link below. We are unable to validate parking, however there are various street lots available.

RSVP (mandatory): [link removed, event is apparently full]

Please RSVP as soon as possible, space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. You will not be admitted to the event without a reservation for security purposes at the building.

Please forward this email to anyone you believe would be interested.

Regards,

Michelle Mierz
Co-founder and Executive Director
L.A. Contemporary Dance Company
www.ladanceco.org