Part of last night’s public forum panel to discuss the future of the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga, PT Page Editor Larry Allison and former PT Publisher Ian Lamont gathered at Gallagher’s in the latest installment of the Long Beach Jr. Chamber’s Beer & Politics series.
Reyes Uranga opened the discussion, echoing her recent proposal that the city re-examine its economic relationship with the daily paper by stressing that citizens must be sure that they are getting their moneys worth.
Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga opens the public forum.
Allison addressed her concerns, saying recent position relocations to Torrance only affect copy editors and designers, while reporters and photographers still operate within the city. He went on to say that ad revenue has decreased sharply, and closed by saying, “We’re still here, our hearts are still here.”
Larry Allison speaks to the crowd as Reyes Uranga and Lamont look on.
Former Press-Telegram publisher Ian Lamont took to the mic in front of the Gallagher’s crowd to run down a brief history of the paper. Lamont stressed concerns that distribution has sharply decreased due to rapidly incurred debts, and says he now has “no respect for the company.”
Lamont had criticism for his former employer.
Disclosure: Ian Lamont is a former lbpost.com columnist.