By: Joe Strupp Could the Los Angeles Daily News become the refuge for the Santa Barbara News-Press staffers who have quit in protest of Publisher Wendy McCaw's alleged newsroom meddling?
At least two former News-Press employees, both among the 23 who have resigned since July in protest of the paper's newsroom policies, have joined the Daily News in recent weeks, according to Daily News Editor Ron Kaye. And he says he has talked to others.
"It is possible somebody else may wind up here," says Kaye, a 22-year Daily News employee and editor for the past year. "We have talked to a few others. The proximity and timing is right."
Kaye also criticized the News-Press for creating an atmosphere that he says has driven away good people. "They are skilled and talented people who found the conditions working for Wendy McCaw unacceptable and took a stand to defend their own integrity and values of journalism," Kaye said of his new hires. He added that McCaw is "going to have a tough road rebuilding her paper. The credibility has been damaged. How is she going to hire talented people after what has happened?"
In response to Kaye's comment, News-Press spokeswoman Agnes Huff issued a statement to E&P, saying "The News-Press continues to be focused on getting past all these issues and improving the paper, the news coverage and its service to the Santa Barbara community. Comments from competitors and critics that are based on hearsay and speculation, are nothing more than personal opinions that have little to do with the facts. "
Kaye said former News-Press assistant sports editor Kim Burnell joined his team as a copy editor/page designer shortly after Labor Day, while George Foulsham, who had been managing editor in Santa Barbara, starts Monday. Foulsham, among the first group to resign July 6 in protest, will become the Daily News' assistant managing editor for presentation.
"George is a great guy with a lot of experience and we are glad to have him aboard," Kaye said of Foulsham, who has also worked at the Ventura County Star.
In a related development, newsroom employees at the News-Press are voting today on a proposal to unionize under the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Results of the voting, which will include about 50 workers, are not expected until late tonight.
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