Media blogger Jim Romenesko reported that 22 members of the Newhouse family received a letter protesting the family’s decision to reduce the print publication schedule of the
Times-Picayune
newspaper and urging that the family enterprise, Advance Publications, sell the paper. But Advance president Donald E. Newhouse said the paper is not for sale.
Among those who signed the letter were political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin; jazz musician Wynton Marsalis; journalist and author Cokie Roberts; the presidents of Tulane University, Xavier University and Loyola University New Orleans; former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning; and Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. The letter was sent on behalf of The
Times-Picayune
Citizens’ Group, which also includes more than 70 businesses and community groups, according to
a report on the
Times-Picayune’s
website, NOLA.com
.
The letter,
posted in full on Romensko’s website,
reads:
“Nearly a half century ago, your family invested in the future of New Orleans by purchasing our daily newspapers. Norman Newhouse came to New Orleans, raised a family here, and was welcomed by our community.
“Your family has been a blessing to our city. You built one of the greatest local newspapers in the United States, became one of our most respected employers, grew with us as our people spread out across seven parishes, and stood selflessly with the city of New Orleans when a vicious storm knocked us down….
“Unfortunately and sadly, the considerable goodwill your family enterprise has created in New Orleans in the last 50 years has dissipated in just a few short months because of the decision that took our entire community by surprise….
“It is painful to report that right now it is nearly impossible to find a kind word in these parts about your family or your plan to take away our daily newspaper….
“… [T]he relationship between your family and our community does not have to end sourly. If your family does not believe in the future of this great city and its capacity to support a daily newspaper, it is only fair to allow us to find someone who does.
“If you have ever valued the friendship you have shared with our city and your loyal readers, we ask that you sell the Times-Picayune….”
NOLA.com reported that Donald Newhouse responded to the plea by saying, “We have read the letter with great respect and concern. Advance Publications has no intention of selling the
Times-Picayune
.”
According to the NOLA.com report, The
Times-Picayune
Citizens’ Group said it had found a “willing buyer” for the paper, which it would not name. The website reported that the citizens group had earlier pleaded with Advance officials to abandon the reduction in print frequency but recently changed its strategy to advocate for a sale of the paper. (Source: JimRomensko.com, July 9, 2012; NOLA.com, July 10, 2012.)
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