According to several sources who have contacted the Weekly, the Explorer has been sold, and several employees–including star reporter Eric Beidel and editor Dan Stebbins–have been let go.
One source, who did not want to be named, says the new owner is Randy Miller. Google him, and you’ll see he has a history of taking newspapers and watering them down to increase profits.
More to come from John Schuster in this week’s Weekly.
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 5, 2007.
(Mouth agape) Holy crap!
That’s a shame re: Beidel among others.
Thanks for the heads up.
The Explorer is in its third editor-in-chief in 12 months after Mark Evans left around March(?). Veteran ed Walt Nett took over, but a young journalist who apparently phoned in a rehashed article gave the paper a black eye. Nett left after that journalist pulled that trick.
Dan Stebbins, late of the Oser Group (which primarily does trade publications), moved to the Explorer as its new ed-in-chief just a couple months ago.
“I’m not walking into a paper that needs to be rescued. It has a very strong staff,” Stebbins said in an October Media Watch article.
The guy probably didn’t know this ax was going to fall… dang.
I don’t know why I’m writing this — apologies if I’m taking away any thunder for the upcoming Media Watch article. I’m just amazed. I’m certain John Schuster will have a much more informative report Wednesday.
Any word on why they fired their star reporter? Too much loyalty to the also-fired editor? (Why fire the editor?)
Gosh, I am sure morale must be skyrocketing among remaining employees. (If any of them read this blog, they should anonymously post their stories here…)
Randy Miller is a rather ghoulish looking guy. Check him out:
http://media.westword.com/1900.0.jpeg
He’s the newspaper undertaker.
Whoops, I just realized they won’t let me link their image. Don’t click it (it goes to a “no linking” image). Just copy and paste it in your browser and it will show up.
Uh, Jimmy, buying newspapers and then watering them down for profits; sounds familiar, eh?
It happens a lot. What specifically are you talking about, Arek?
If Beidel is gone that’s the biggest travesty and injustice I’ve ever seen. As an ex-employee, I ‘ve seen some questionable moves over there but this one, if true, defies logic and good business sense. Eric, I’d love for you to come work with me again…where ever that may be…
Let’s just say the past month taught me what the anagram RIF meant.
I know you’ve been there, too.
If Beidel is available, the TW should snag him now. He’s an excellent reporter who’s willing to take on the the establishment to get the story.
Could the Weekly add one more three staff news reporter, in addition to its roster of freelancers?
The Weekly has two strong regular reporters operating freelance in Dave Devine and Tim Vanderpool. Saxon likewise was freelance and hopped up to staff writer status due to circumstance. Vanderpool has time in the saddle as a temporary full-time staff writer, and has freelanced for the Weekly for more than ten years. I would hedge a bet Devine maybe has time as a full-time staffer too.
It would be wonderful if Beidel was there as a third staff writer, but I’m wondering what the impact would be for the others, and what area he would take. Sure you can have a reporter, but the reporter needs to fit with the grand scheme of things so two people aren’t covering the same beat.
Of course, I’m off talking about stuff that gets a little close to discussing inner details of the paper and should shut up now.
It’s all about budgets and available staff positions, and the Weekly has all its positions filled right now.
Whereas many other newspapers are cutting, the Weekly has seen its editorial budget grow–albeit modestly–in recent years.
I’m pleased to announce that I have Beidel’s old press pass.
Bidding starts at $100. All proceeds go to his holiday cigarette fund.
The Weekly is a quality alternative newsweekly, period. If you have any question about that, just look at the loyalty — Jim Nintzel, Margaret Regan, Tom Danehy, James Digiovanna, Tim Vanderpool, Dave Devine…..all 10+ years (some going on 20 years) employees.
IPH, if you were so close to the Tucson Weekly, you would know how cheap that company is. Four people are on the regular payroll, the same amount the paper had when it started more than 20 years ago.
Melanie Larson wanted to sell the paper to the Weekly’s company a couple years ago, but they declined.
Dave, I should clarify: I wasn’t close to the Weekly. I just have worked for them in their office, which gives me some insight versus someone who never worked for them. That’s all. Not trying to start a fight.
Dave, I should clarify: I wasn’t close to the Weekly in the administrative or “power” sense. I just have worked for them in their office, which gives me some insight versus someone who never worked for them. That’s all. Not trying to start a fight.
Dave, you are strongly encouraged to compare the Weekly of today to the Weekly of any era. I am sure that today’s Weekly will compare nicely. Thank you, and God bless.
I think the EXPLORER are fools for getting rid of Eric. I’m not sure they realize how much of a mess they’ve made by cutting him. I think they will find themselves severely lacking in news coverage in the next few weeks.
Hey Droid, I might just take you up on that offer. I met Eric at a Marana meeting once and he’s a cutie!
That bigger article you guys had this week on the takeover was just devastating! It’s sure sad to see any local business bite the dust, especially like this.