rockpond Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 Paul Huntsman, now owner of the SLT, published this letter today. Quote relevant to this board: Quote So let's now address the elephant in the room. I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have been a bishop. I make no apologies for this. I embrace the belief that Hindus, Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Unitarians, atheists and every person of goodwill has a right to a shot at this planet's brass ring without undue pressure to change. I also believe in the independence of church and state and press. So here is my promise to Utah: As long as I am the owner/publisher, The Salt Lake Tribune will never be held hostage by ideology, political persuasions, business pressure or particular dogma. We will hold every person of influence and entities accountable for their actions as we will hold ourselves responsible for fairness, accuracy and independence. It is crucial to the civic health of any democracy to have a strong, reliable, independent second opinion. I would not have it any other way, nor should you expect it 2
Scott Lloyd Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) I just added this comment to the thread started over a month ago on this topic, but lest it languish unnoticed, buried under several pages of posts, I'll repost it here: Quote It's official. The deal has been signed. Paul Huntsman is the new owner of the Salt Lake Tribune. The group "Citizens for Two Voices" has dropped its anti-trust lawsuit against the Deseret News and the prior Tribune owner Digital First Media. The U.S. Justice Department is standing down on the probe requested by the citizens group. The JOA partnership revenue split has been adjusted from 70-30 to 60-40. Everything seems copacetic; everyone appears confident that the future of the Tribune is promising under Huntsman ownership. I'll make a prediction here and now, though: If the Tribune fails for any reason, whatever it might be, somebody or somebodies will blame it on the Deseret News and the Church of Jesus Christ. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd 1
Jeanne Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 3 minutes ago, Scott Lloyd said: I just added this comment to the thread started over a month ago on this topic, but lest it languish unnoticed, buried under several pages of posts, I'll repost it here: I loved his letter. He sounds fair and keeping his job separate from the church with no apologies tjo any side of any issue. Bravo 1
Scott Lloyd Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) Quote As long as I am the owner/publisher, The Salt Lake Tribune will never be held hostage by ideology, political persuasions, business pressure or particular dogma. I hope everyone recognizes that "particular dogma" can influence a self-styled "independent" newspaper as easily as it can one owned by a church or some other entity. Edited May 31, 2016 by Scott Lloyd
rockpond Posted May 31, 2016 Author Posted May 31, 2016 6 minutes ago, Scott Lloyd said: I'll make a prediction here and now, though: If the Tribune fails for any reason, whatever it might be, somebody or somebodies will blame it on the Deseret News and the Church of Jesus Christ. Good... way to get in your victimization claim before anything even happens. 2
rockpond Posted May 31, 2016 Author Posted May 31, 2016 Just now, Scott Lloyd said: I hope everyone recognizes that "particular dogma" can impact a self-styled "independent" newspaper as easily as it can one owned by a church or some other entity. I definitely agree.
Scott Lloyd Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) 20 hours ago, rockpond said: Good... way to get in your victimization claim before anything even happens. That is hilarious! Who is it who has been accusing the Deseret News and the Church of predatory practices for the past two years? "Citizens for Two Voices" comprised of former owners and staffers of the Tribune and other ideologues. I'm merely going on record as predicting more of the same should the Tribune not succeed under new ownership (and continued survival of any print publication is not a sure thing in this day and age), whatever the reason for the failure might be. It will happen as surely as night follows day. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd 1
Scott Lloyd Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Jeanne said: I loved his letter. He sounds fair and keeping his job separate from the church with no apologies tjo any side of any issue. Bravo I also applaud his aspiration to fairness and accuracy. I'm afraid that has not always been followed with impeccability by the Tribune in the past. (See the recent thread Smac started about bishops being subpoenaed to testify in the penalty phase of a capital case.) Edited May 31, 2016 by Scott Lloyd 1
Jeanne Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) Accuracy is so important for all and any newspapers. There are different slants to news articles that should be based on facts. I don't believe the Trib should be singled out..there is enough biased articles to go around in many of our Utah and big city newspapers in the country. I am hoping for a good thing to come from this and it would be nice if we all assume that this will be an asset to both the Trib and DN. Healthy competition! Edited May 31, 2016 by Jeanne 1
Scott Lloyd Posted May 31, 2016 Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) 17 hours ago, Jeanne said: Accuracy is so important for all and any newspapers. There are different slants to news articles that should be based on facts. I don't believe the Trib should be singled out..there is enough biased articles to go around in many of our Utah and big city newspapers in the country. I am hoping for a good thing to come from this and it would be nice if we all assume that this will be an asset to both the Trib and DN. Healthy competition! Amen! Or hear, hear! I would add that accuracy entails more than just a recitation of facts. As any good communicator knows, the selection and presentation of facts is an important consideration. That is, facts can be selected and presented in such a way as to convey a very inaccurate message. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd
Robert F. Smith Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said: I just added this comment to the thread started over a month ago on this topic, but lest it languish unnoticed, buried under several pages of posts, I'll repost it here: Quote I'll make a prediction here and now, though: If the Tribune fails for any reason, whatever it might be, somebody or somebodies will blame it on the Deseret News and the Church of Jesus Christ. However, Scott, there would be no basis for such a future accusation, which is what is so great. We only got this result because of (1) those lawsuits and due to (2) the civic-mindedness of Paul Huntsman. Thank God for the Huntsman family.
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) What some may not comprehend is that this is a great day for the Deseret News as well, given the antipathy the newspaper had endured in the past from its partner in the JOA when the Tribune enjoyed the controlling share of the partnership and thus was the governing partner over the JOA. It was not so very long ago that the Tribune publisher intransigently blocked any effort on the part of the Deseret News, then an afternoon newspaper, to move to morning publication. The very survival of the Deseret News was at stake, as afternoon newspapers around the country were rapidly dying one after another due to changes in the newspaper-reading habits of consumers. There were also many instances -- more or less subtle -- of management and personnel at the JOA entity sabotaging the Deseret News marketing position. It was a constant irritant to employees and management at the Deseret News. Through a chain of circumstances, the Tribune found itself under new ownership with a more congenial owner -- and boss of the JOA -- and the Deseret News was able to go to morning delivery, a move that saved its life. But I herald a new day. Through most of my 31-year career at the newspaper, I never thought I would see the day when the Tribune owner would not just be congenial, but would actually be an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is truly ironic, given the history of what began in the 1800s as the Utah Mining Gazette, a virulently anti-Mormon publication. Nor did I think I would ever see the day when the Deseret News would enjoy the majority share of the revenue from the JOA and thus would hold the controlling interest in it and not be subject to the whims of a less-than-congenial partner. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd 1
Jeanne Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 All I ask is that I can buy the SLC Trib..with Kirby..with different points of views..being fair and factual..Keep Stack and add some more people..and not get the Church News attached unless i request it.
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) 15 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said: However, Scott, there would be no basis for such a future accusation, which is what is so great. We only got this result because of (1) those lawsuits and due to (2) the civic-mindedness of Paul Huntsman. Thank God for the Huntsman family. I disagree about the lawsuits. There was no just basis for them, as there was no predatory intent on the part of the Deseret News or the Church. The Tribune as a print publication would have died with or without the renegotiated JOA. Its owner, the New York hedge fund, was intent on divesting itself of "legacy" properties (print publications) and moving toward digital publication, which it sees as the future of newspapers. This is clearly communicated in its name, Digital First Media. It approached the Deseret News offering to renegotiate the JOA contract with the intent of moving away from what it deemed as a failing business model (printed newspapers) and moving toward what it deems to be the future (digital publication). Deseret News Publishing Co. obliged by buying out the Tribune's interest in depreciating assets (namely, the press and production facility in West Valley City, Utah) and absorbing the Tribune's debts in exchange for controlling interest in the JOA. The Deseret News then allowed the Tribune to use the press and production facilities free of charge under terms of the new contract. And I'm not at all persuaded Citizens for Two Voices would have prevailed, either in their litigation or in the Justice Department probe they incited. I do agree with you about the civic-mindedness of Paul Huntsman and family. Whether his rescue mission will succeed is anybody's guess. Print newspapers are, after all, still a dying industry. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd 1
rongo Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 2 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: I'll make a prediction here and now, though: If the Tribune fails for any reason, whatever it might be, somebody or somebodies will blame it on the Deseret News and the Church of Jesus Christ. Please don't start another countdown clock, though, Scott . . .
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 24 minutes ago, Jeanne said: All I ask is that I can buy the SLC Trib..with Kirby..with different points of views..being fair and factual..Keep Stack and add some more people..and not get the Church News attached unless i request it. If the Church News is attached to the Trib, that's news to me.
Jeanne Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) 15 minutes ago, Scott Lloyd said: If the Church News is attached to the Trib, that's news to me. I get the Church News with my Herald Journal at least once a month. Not a bad thing, but would you want a bunch of pamphlets or anything from the Jehovah Witnesses? I was joking..I hope they don't. There is just some choices we need to have in Utah newspapers. I already get the Church News with my Herald Journal. Not a bad thing but it is like getting a door full of JW pamphlets.. Edited June 1, 2016 by Jeanne
Robert F. Smith Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 2 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: I disagree about the lawsuits. There was no just basis for them, as there was no predatory intent on the part of the Deseret News or the Church. The Tribune as a print publication would have died with or without the renegotiated JOA. Its owner, the New York hedge fund, was intent on divesting itself of "legacy" properties (print publications) and moving toward digital publication, which it sees as the future of newspapers. This is clearly communicated in its name, Digital First Media. It approached the Deseret News offering to renegotiate the JOA contract with the intent of moving away from what it deemed as failing business model (printed newspapers) and moving toward what it deems to be the future (digital publication). Deseret News Publishing Co. obliged by buying out the Tribune's interest in depreciating assets (namely, the press and production facility in West Valley City, Utah) and absorbing the Tribune's debts in exchange for controlling interest in the JOA. The Deseret News then allowed the Tribune to use the press and production facilities free of charge under terms of the new contract. And I'm not at all perrsuaded Citizens for Two Voices would have prevailed, either in their litigation or in the Justice Department probe they incited. I do agree with you about the civic-mindedness of Paul Huntsman and family. Whether his rescue mission will succeed is anybody's guess. Print newspapers are, after all, still a dying industry. Here are some other views of this issue: +https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ageQTUbsVYU , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39go0Wd6Y0Q .
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) 1 hour ago, Robert F. Smith said: Here are some other views of this issue: +https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ageQTUbsVYU , and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39go0Wd6Y0Q . I'm quite well acquainted with the propaganda put out by Citizens for Two Voices -- probably more so than the vast majority of the public, as I doubt most people care enough about it to pay attention to the issue. And my insider status makes me well aware of the Deseret News position as well.* So you'll understand if I say I reject the bulk of the Citizens for Two Voices propaganda and stand by what I have written here. *This is not to say I am acting as a spokesman for anything or anybody. On this board I represent no one but myself. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 2 hours ago, Jeanne said: I was joking..I hope they don't. There is just some choices we need to have in Utah newspapers. I already get the Church News with my Herald Journal. Not a bad thing but it is like getting a door full of JW pamphlets.. I keep a recycling can for depositing printed matter that comes to my home that holds no interest for me, including advertising and the like. Thus, I feel in no way inconvenienced by it.
sjdawg Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) 5 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: I'll make a prediction here and now, though: If the Tribune fails for any reason, whatever it might be, somebody or somebodies will blame it on the Deseret News and the Church of Jesus Christ. Is there a timeline on this prediction? I'd like to start an official countdown and periodically start new threads to update my fellow readers on the status of your prediction Edited June 1, 2016 by sjdawg
Scott Lloyd Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 (edited) 11 hours ago, sjdawg said: Is there a timeline on this prediction? I'd like to start an official countdown and periodically start new threads to update my fellow readers on the status of your prediction It's a conditional statement. You can't put a timer on a conditional, because the "if" might never happen. Edited June 1, 2016 by Scott Lloyd
consiglieri Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 I think this sentence from the new owner's letter could have benefited from a little more polishing: Quote We will hold every person of influence and entities accountable for their actions as we will hold ourselves responsible for fairness, accuracy and independence.
Robert F. Smith Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 13 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: I'm quite well acquainted with the propaganda put out by Citizens for Two Voices -- probably more so than the vast majority of the public, as I doubt most people care enough about it to pay attention to the issue. And my insider status makes me well aware of the Deseret News position as well.* So you'll understand if I say I reject the bulk of the Citizens for Two Voices propaganda and stand by what I have written here. *This is not to say I am acting as a spokesman for anything or anybody. On this board I represent no one but myself. I understand and appreciate that Scott. Still, I think that the lawsuit and the Justice Dept probe (even if completely unjustified) helped move things along and get the various parties off dead center. I suspect that there are many sighs of relief.
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