Chicago Tribune and LA Times combine foreign reporting operations

Posted by Helena Deards on March 25, 2009 at 11:08 AM

The LA Times and Chicago Tribune have revealed that they will begin to combine their foreign operations. Both publications are owned by the Tribune Co. and according to an LA Times press release, the move is in order "to provide Tribune papers and websites with the enterprising overseas coverage that has brought such distinction to both news organizations".

For the most part the joint operation will be run from Los Angeles where the majority of editorial staff are currently based, but in consultation with editors from the Chicago Tribune and other sister newspapers. The operation's staff will consist of Times and Tribune correspondents "strategically based around the world, who will emphasize original reporting delivered in a unique voice for print and online audiences".

Last month, the Chicago Tribune announced the closure of its news bureaus in Jerusalem and Rome, and the decision to share foreign operations comes at a time when technology has much changed the traditional role of the foreign correspondent. It is also representative of a marked increase in content sharing between publications, during an economic period when cost saving is key.

Two publications belonging to the same company taking the decision to share resources on an area with relatively high overheads makes sense both editorially and financially. With newspapers (and indeed many other industries) seeking areas to cut costs on, a solution such as sharing content and reporting operations with sister publications, or even rivals, could be seen far more often in future.

Source: LA Times via Poynter