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Will the Register be As Abandoned as the Times?

Posted by Gustavo Arellano in Naranja News

August 2, 2007 3:40 PM

Permalink | Comments (7)

We're not supposed to like The Orange County Register, but we can't help but cringe after reading that the Reg is shrinking news staff yet again. The Reg (and the Los Angeles Times, for that matter) is atrophying before our hands—and that's not good for you and I.

I'll post why it's not good tomorrow, but I want to relay this anecdote from earlier this year involving the Los Angeles Times that relates to the Register's layoffs—promise!

Earlier this year, I visited the Times' office on Spring Street to meet with a colleague (no defection talks, I swear). After showing me around the newsroom and first-floor museum, the reporter asked if I wanted to see the "catacombs"—the floor formerly occupied by Times-Mirror executives in its heyday, back when the Chandler family ruled over Southern California.

An entire floor—empty (sorry: can't remember which). We entered rooms formerly used exclusively for parties, offices of publishers, and large meeting rooms seemingly stolen from Dr. Strangelove: circular tables with mikes at each seat. "This is where business was once made!" my colleague said with awe. On we went with the adventure—more rooms, more hallways, with massive portraits of various Chandler patriarchs (General Otis, Otis, Harry) hanging from assorted walls. The design was from the 1970s; the carpet, plush; the art, terribly tacky. "Those Chandlers were notorious for their bad taste in art," my Times amiga/o volunteered.

We spent a good half-hour exploring the Times-Mirror floor. During that time, we saw no one else. My friend said he wanted to dress up a homeless man in a suit, let him live on the abandoned floor, and see how long it would take for Times honchos to notice. The experience was like walking through the ruins of Rome (and I can only imagine how desolate the Times' Orange County complex is).

The same fate probably awaits the Register—hey Mickadeit, think you can give me a tour after the deluge?

 

Comments (7)

  1. Debby Bodkin says:
    August 2, 2007 18:35

    It is difficult when layoffs disrupt the lives of so many families especially since the OC Register is the largest publication in Orange County.

    There was a time when the OC Register had something for everyone and unfortunately, it appears the OC Republican GOP leaders may have interfered in over-powering unbiased truths, reporting and opinions in the OC. In the future, it might be beneficial to the public's right to be fully informed and the now unemployed reporters in the OC if the arrogant political leaders would keep to what they do best -- messing up the world of politics while butting out of the news reporting biz.

    It is time to bring freedoms of speech, press and opinion back to Orange County life without punishing those who report what they see and investigate instead of what political bullies want reported in the news. There is no doubt that there are many talented employees at the OC Register who will land on their feet because of their expertise and determination -- best of luck to all.

    Thanks to the OC Weekly for holding strong on the principles of reporting and journalism.

  2. Anonymous says:
    August 3, 2007 09:28

    Hey Mexostavo,

    It's "you and me", not "you and I".

    Sounds like the Reg and Times are following the OC Weekly's lead in mass exodus of staff.

    Oh, and D. Bodkin . . . get off of obsessing with conspiracy theories. They don't do much for your credibility. And, if you think the Weekly holds "strong on the principles of reporting and journalism", you may want to start double-checking what its "reporters" call "facts".

  3. Anonymous says:
    August 3, 2007 11:42

    "following the OC Weekly's lead"

    What planet are you on, moron? The Times and Reg have been cutting heads. The Weekly's staff chose to jump ship. There's a difference.

  4. Dave says:
    August 3, 2007 14:51

    While we're nitpicking Sr. Arellano's grammar, I was wondering why you're the only blogger here who refers to himself in the royal first-person plural? That's not standard in English or Spanish, so I'm curious if it's some sort of Nahuatl bleed-through? Is it borne of a Socialist, collectivist impulse, or are you paying homage to a bygone era of more formal, genteel journalism? (though your ready use of such dainties as "butt slut" and "mecos" casts some doubt on this last conjecture...)

  5. Dave says:
    August 3, 2007 20:24

    Ooh snap, I meant "born" not "borne". BTW, I'm not a dangerously obsessed fan, I just like to post obnoxiously on blogs (oh God, please just send me a lock of your pubic hair!) I'm a very fickle cyber-stalker--maybe now I'll go harass that Daffodil chick...

  6. Pete Fundy says:
    August 4, 2007 14:33

    As Orange County's leading conservative commentator, Pete Fundy urges everyone to take a deep breath and relax. Find your happy place. If it's closed, I'm sure there's another head shop nearby with the Che Guevara roach clips you need to get the job done.

    The Register is not going anywhere. We Republicans are proud to have a newspaper we can call our own. Technically, I guess OC Post is our own as well, but we should really stay focused on the positive. Okay, okay, we have to ignore Excelsior and Squeeze OC, but you see where I'm going with this. With the exception of Gordon Dillow, The Register is a paper we can be proud of. Mostly.

    Before signing off, Pete Fundy would just like to wish Hal Fishman well, and let the fine people at KTLA know that Pete Fundy can read a TelePrompTer with the best of them.

    Warmly yours,
    Pete Fundy
    Senior Editorial Writer
    OCLegend.Com


  7. Debby Bodkin says:
    August 12, 2007 16:49

    Mr. Fundy... some words for thought. The OC Register should never belong to any specific political party as you state, "We Republicans are proud to have a newspaper we can call our own," unless of course, there is some type of financial conflict of interest that has not been publicly disclosed. If this is the case, then say so and do not pretend to provide a public service to ensure that the public is well informed about political, government, religious, community and private sector affairs.

    If the OC Register belongs to the OC Republicans, then please do the decent thing and disclose this fact to OC Register readers. After being a Republican for most of my life, I have always thought that the media and journalists had an ethical duty to report on all political issues, not just the Republican. It is difficult to admit that I am embarrassed and ashamed at some of the political terrorism strategies that appear to take priority in the OC versus human dignity, free speech, press and opinion.

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