By Michael Miner
Someone at the Lerner chain of community papers didn’t do that last week, and management wasn’t happy. A day before Lerner could formally announce that it was moving its editorial offices out of rented space in Lakeview into the corporate headquarters in Lincolnwood, a rival north-side neighborhood paper broke the story. “It’ll make it harder for us to do our jobs,” an anonymous employee grumbled to Inside. “Many of us do not have cars and travel to and from our coverage area will be a problem. Many of us feel it is important to have a presence and be involved in the communities we serve.”
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Furthermore, he understands that Lerner will try to accommodate reporters and editors who live in the areas they’re covering by making it easier for them to work from home.
What’s troubling about Lerner’s announcement is suggested by Hanlon’s muzzling–which connotes a regard for hierarchy and corporate discipline that doesn’t square with first journalistic principles. The Lerner papers are owned by Lake Forest businessman Clyde Engle, and their publisher is Engle’s business associate Lee Mortenson. Such editorial freedom as 1115 W. Belmont has enjoyed owes less to an ethos set on high than to its distance from headquarters. In March that distance will be reduced to nothing. It’s a time to worry.
How?
Chicago awoke last week next to an empty pillow. Linda Bowles was missing from the Tribune. If the paper’s electronic bulletin board was any measure of the general consternation, Chicago had become a city divided against itself.
“Where is she?” Omaurice wondered. “Is there any truth to the rumor that the columns censored by the Tribune will be published in the Chicago Reader? Is there any truth to the rumor that the Chicago Sun-Times is making her an offer to switch over? Is there any truth to the rumor that Linda Bowles is the illegitimate daughter of Conrad Black? Inquiring minds want to know.”
