Media

Los Angeles Times Watch: Kinsley is OUT and Martinez is IN

September 13, 2005 /

Flap previously had Los Angeles Times: Michael Kinsley is OUT.

Michael Kinsley, the Seattle based, but Los Angeles Times Editor of the paper’s editorial and opinion-pages is apparenly OUT. The Editor and Publisher has Kinsley Expected to Lose Top Edit Page Post, But Remain at ‘L.A. Times’.

The Los Angeles Times’ Michael Kinsley is currently in negotiations to change jobs, a move that will likely end his brief but eventful tenure as the paper’s editorial and opinion-page editor. Although details of his new position have yet to be finalized, Kinsley is expected to remain at the paper as a columnist and may handle some Web site duties, according to a source at the Times and a report in Tuesday’s New York Times.

The New York Times has Kinsley Plans to Change Jobs at The Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Times today in their press release has Los Angeles Times Names Andres Martinez, Editorial Page Editor, to Oversee Op-Ed Page and Sunday Current.

Andres Martinez, editorial page editor of the Los Angeles Times, will now oversee the op-ed page and Sunday Current, in addition to his responsibilities for the editorial page, it was announced today by Jeffrey M. Johnson, publisher of the Los Angeles Times.

Martinez, 39, who joined The Times in September 2004 as editorial page editor, will report to Johnson. The change is effective immediately.

Michael Kinsley, who has served as editorial and opinion editor since 2004, is resigning from the paper.

“Mike and I had discussions about his management responsibilities and other possible roles,” said Johnson. “I concluded that it was best to make a clean break and I wish him well.”

Michael Kinsley’s Response:

From: Michael Kinsley
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 4:54 AM
Subject: local news

Hi. In case you haven’t heard already, the Publisher is announcing this morning that I’m leaving the Los Angeles Times. The news stories a few weeks ago saying that I would be giving up managerial duties but staying with the paper were not wrong. That is what I wanted and what John Carroll wanted too. But Jeff wants a “clean break.” He did offer to discuss at some future date the possibility of my continuing to write a column as a non-employee. And he raised the possibility of some consulting on web matters down the road.

This did not seem overly welcoming, and further inquiries by me and others have made clear that it wasn’t intended to. For whatever reason, Jeff isn’t merely uninterested in any future contribution I might make, but actively wants me gone. So I’m off, with some regret and some excitement, to the Washington Post, duties TBD but including the column. I hope it will continue to appear in the LA Times as well, but that is beyond my control.

I’m sorry this has ended on a bitter note. I’ve loved my brief time at the Los Angeles Times. I’ve learned a l lot, and made (I hope) some friends for life. Even the frustrations have been fascinating frustrations. And I think I’ve done some good for the paper, though others may not agree. The LA Times has some of the nicest people and finest journalists I’ve ever worked with, starting at the top with Dean. And even Jeff will have to give me credit for bringing in Andres. I expect great things from him, and from you.


Reading last Sunday’s excellent Current section, put out while Bob was on vacation, it struck me that one test of an editor is how could his or per product is when he or she is not around. That is one way to measure the strength of an editor’s vision and the quality of the people he or she has chosen to work with. Sipchen passes the test with flying colors. I’m counting on all of you to help me pass it too, starting now.

Thanks.

Mike

Ps I’m in DC, but there will be opportunities for mawkish farewells or spitballs in the next few weeks.

Farewell Michael. Flap has enjoyed reading your columns for years. But, you are not a good fit for the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Times will be a better and more intellectually balanced newspaper without Michael Kinsley but a comeback in circulation….. Well…..

Stay Tuned.

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