LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Times Media Group said Wednesday it is reorganizing the newspaper's newsroom into an around-the-clock operation with an emphasis on breaking news on its Web site and offering expanded coverage in its print edition.
"We are rebuilding our business to reflect how readers, users and advertisers are using media today," David Hiller, publisher and CEO of the Times, said in a statement. "People choose different platforms and products to meet their varying news and information needs throughout the day, and we are positioning the Times to be there when they turn to us."
Under the new approach, the paper will focus on offering multimedia content on its Web site as stories unfold, as well as more personalized ways to get stories. One example is MyLatimes.com, which the Times launched Wednesday. The site uses RSS feeds -- a technology for notifying users of new entries on their favorite news sites and blogs -- to deliver content directly to computer users.
In its print editions, the newspaper will emphasize editorial analysis, investigative reporting, trend stories and features. Reporters also will be directed to report for both the Web and print editions.
"Our philosophy going forward is, 'Break it on the Web, expand on it in print,"' said Times editor Jim O'Shea. "We have to change what we are doing online, and also in print, to better engage readers and users who can choose every day among myriad sources for their news and information."
To coordinate the changes, the newspaper named business editor Russ Stanton to the newly created position of innovation editor.
Mr. Stanton will work with editorial staffers across all divisions to manage the reorganization and will report directly to Mr. O'Shea, the paper said.
The newspaper also named Robertson Barrett, general manager of the Times' Web site since 2005, as a vice president of the Los Angeles Times Media Group.
He and Mr. Stanton will lead a team charged with retooling all of the newspaper's departments under the integrated Internet and print approach.
The Los Angeles Times is owned by the Tribune Co.
First Published: January 25, 2007, 5:00 a.m.
