New Judge in Philly Newspapers Bankruptcy Case

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2009 12:00 am

By: E&P Staff A new judge has been assigned to oversee the bankruptcy proceedings involving Philadelphia Newspapers, parent company of The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News.

The Daily News reported Wednesday that documents filed in bankruptcy court Tuesday confirmed the change.

The case had previously been presided over by Judge Jean K. FitzSimon. According to the filing, the new presiding judge will be Stephen Raslavich, chief judge of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Sources told the Daily News that the case might have been reassigned due to FitzSimon's health issues. However, Christine Reimert, a spokeswoman for Philadelphia Media Holdings, told the Daily News "We don't know why the case was reassigned."

It was not immediately clear what effect, if any, the change in judges might have on the case. Currently, Philadelphia Newspapers had been given an Aug. 31 deadline to produce a reorganization plan.

"[The attorneys] will know more tomorrow after consulting with the new judge on scheduling matters," Reimert told the Daily News.

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New Judge in Philly Newspapers Bankruptcy Case

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