Tribune Chief Has Surgery

Tribune Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Dennis J. FitzSimons disclosed that he underwent surgery for prostate cancer Monday and expected to return to work full time before the end of August.

“Tests have indicated the disease is at an early stage and prospects are excellent for a quick and full recovery,” FitzSimons, 56, wrote in an e-mail message to employees Monday afternoon. The company issued a news release simultaneously.

Chicago-based Tribune is the corporate parent of the Los Angeles Times, KTLA-TV, the Chicago Tribune newspaper, the Chicago Cubs baseball team and other media assets nationwide. It has been in the news lately because of a boardroom rift that erupted when three directors representing California’s Chandler family criticized management and called for the company to spin off its television stations or put itself up for sale to increase its stock market value.

The Chandlers, the company’s largest shareholder group with a 15% interest, received their stake as part of the 2000 sale of The Times’ previous parent company, Times Mirror Co., to Tribune.

FitzSimons’ surgery was performed at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

In his e-mail, the head of the media giant sought to reassure employees and investors.

“Tribune has a strong, experienced management team that during my absence will continue to execute our performance improvement plan. We have a lot to accomplish, and after this slight detour, I look forward to working with you to reach our goals.”