We’ve been seeing reductions in staff at MSM newspapers for years now, as these publications deal with the significant decline in revenues and print-circulation.  As these cuts have taken place, we’ve seen a serious pruning of veteran California political and policy reporters. 

In the Voice of San Diego today there is an article about a new wave of cuts at the San Diego Union Tribune as its new owner makes changes in how they will operate.  Included in the broad cuts are a number of local political reporters.

But of glaring interest (and alarm) to FR readers should be that longtime veteran political reporter and analyst John Marelius is among those departing the U-T in this latest reorganization.  This is terrible news.  John’s been observing and reporting on political here in the Golden State for as long as I can remember.  Heck, I first met and dealt with John when I was an up and coming leader in Young Americans for Freedom back in the late 1980’s.

John is a skilled reporter who always seeks to write fair and balanced stories.  I’m sure that you will find equal dismay at his departure from all sides of the political spectrum.

I don’t know what John will do now, if anything.  But I do know that California has lost another veteran and "icon" in political reporting, with the departure of Marelius…

This entry was posted on Friday, June 18th, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.