Letter from the publisher

Dear Reader,

As you may already know, the Los Angeles Times’ parent company, Tribune, has filed to restructure its debt obligations under the protection of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

What does all this mean for our readers and advertisers? As a practical matter, very little.

Tribune Co. is continuing to operate its media businesses, including its newspapers, television stations and websites. And at the Los Angeles Times and latimes.com, we remain dedicated to providing you with the level of service and 24/7 news coverage you’ve come to expect from us. The decision to restructure Tribune Co.’s debt was brought on by the dramatic and unexpected operating conditions of this year. We have experienced the perfect storm -- a precipitous decline in revenue, a tough economy and a credit crisis that makes it extremely difficult to support our debt. All of our major advertising categories have been dramatically affected.

This restructuring is in Tribune’s best long-term interest. It will reduce pressure on our operating businesses, enabling us to pursue our vision of creating a sustainable, cutting-edge media company that is valued by our readers, viewers and advertisers, and that plays a vital role in the communities we serve. That, in turn, will help keep this website showing up on your computer every day, offering you news, information and entertainment you can’t get anywhere else. It’s what you expect and what we’ll continue to deliver.

We appreciate your continued support as we remain committed to being your No. 1 source of news and information in Southern California.

Eddy H. Hartenstein

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer

Los Angeles Times