The Blog

As bizarre as the entire collection of allegations is -- really mind-blowing -- Blagojevich deserves a special place in First Amendment hell for trying to get an editorial writer fired in exchange for a corporate favor to the Tribune Co. What made him think that the Tribune would bow to this lunatic demand? Or does he know something about Sam Zell & Co. that the rest of us couldn't even conceive of?

I guess I'd like to know the identity of "an individual identified in media accounts as a top assistant and financial adviser to Tribune Owner" before I absolve anyone of anything, or suspect them. There are way too many questions about this. Initially, Harris told TFA that the timeline had to be "November, December" in order to avoid involving the legislature. The Trib's bankruptcy was an obvious moment for the kind of reorganization that is hinted at, since it's much better cover than just firing McCormick (and possibly Kerns) for nothing in particular. You can imagine the bankruptcy took everyone's attention, and then it happens yesterday, and by 6:00 am this morning, the feds have moved in. Unless I hear that TFA or TO actually told the feds, I'll continue to wonder. Assuming this goes to trial, TFA's name is coming out, so why not let us know now, and earn your hero's welcome for helping put a stop to it? Unless you've got something to hide.

I'd point out that I can't find a media reference to a top assistant or financial assistant. I've googled, skimmed the New Yorker piece from last year. I'm sure it's out there, but I wasn't able to find it. Anyone know.

another oddity, the criminal complaint refers to the "Illinois Finance Authority", an actual agency. But I think the Wrigley deal was intended to be run through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Definitely that was true when this was discussed publically last December. Did something get crossed up, or had Blagojevich moved the plan to IFA?

From this article it seems like Zell's financial adviser approached Blago and Co. in the first place to let them know about important editorial cuts - if this was a deal initiated by Zell/his advisers and not just a clear-cut case of strong-arming them into firing people, could Zell/his advisers see legal action as well? Or is that too much to ask for?

Mike, it looks like you and I are are the only writers in Chicago focusing on this side of the story. It's truly a jaw-dropper. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-sinker/my-governor-got-lead-away_b_149700.html

Note that Kern, Dold and McCormick are making the media rounds proudly pointing out that they weren't "pressured" by anyone to alter the Trib's editorials. . This is a misdirection, maybe purposeful. No one is alleging that there was or would have been any "pressure." Instead, McCormick was simply supposed to have been swept away in one of the endless series of Tribune downsizings. No one, least of all the bobble-head Kern and Dold, would have felt any pressure whatsoever, and McCormick would be out the door, lining up with the other creditors for his severance. . So the "no-pressure" spiel is a distraction. The real story here is why Zell didn't run to the newsroom with what was obviously a terrific story. Kern and Dold said they were surprised that this had been going on. If so, Zell is to blame, and he looks like a complete turd. . Of course, Zell famously says that journalism is just a business. And playing ball with the governor would be good business practice for a real-estate mogul from Chicago. The fact that he apparently kept his own newsroom in the dark strongly suggests that Zell was perfectly willing to go along with Blago. It could be otherwise, but, given Zell's repeatedly stated contempt for journalists and journalism, why give him any benefit of the doubt? . One other ugly aspect of this: If the Tribune really knew about this wiretapping some time back, could it be that there was a two-way communication, with the Trib newsroom warning Zell at the last moment what was cooking, thus deflecting him from gutting the editorial board. So 11 (or was it 12?) other poor souls in the newsroom got whacked instead of Bruce Dold and Co.

Extending and revising: Those 11 Trib layoffs last week were particularly puzzling. Why 11? Usually, to make an impression on creditors or Wall Street, newspapers lay off several dozen at a time. At a big paper, 11 is a piddling number, not worth bothering with. . But is it just a coincidence that the editorial board dept. is a similar small number? Here's what might've happened. Zell calls Kern: . Zell: "Sorry, man, the situation looks pretty bleak here. Gotta do some more 'right-sizing,' heh heh. But this time I think we oughta take a whack at the editorial board. They haven't been touched before and it's their turn; could probably clip a dozen or so there. Clear out the older guys, bring in some new blood." . Kern: "That's fine, sir, but, you know, we've learned, you know, that , like, the governor, you know, is about to be arrested and, you know, part of Fitzgerald's complaint, you know, is that Blagojevich might've been trying to get someone fired from, you know, the editorial board." . Zell: "So?" . Kern: "Well, you know, it might not look too good, you know, if we did a sweep through that department days before the governor is hauled off and, you know, Fitzgerald reveals all the details why?" . Zell: "I'm beginning to get your drift. Damn! Can't do it! Shit! "Well, you're not getting off that easy, Kern! Just fire 11 others, then." . Kern: "Sure, sir. Glad to do."

Though I missed it yesterday, Fitz made clear that he believed Zell and TFA were cutting the corrupt deal, when he said "I laid awake at night" fearing he'd find that McCormick had been fired. So Zell & TFA clearly were not talking to the feds. This is not a business deal. Whatever Zell may believe about the paper and business, this was criminal conduct. I think Zell is pretty distracted from his bankruptcy this morning wondering what else Fitz may have and what his next move may be. You can be sure that TFA has been or will be called in. Who is TFA?

Here's a viable candidate for Tribune Financial Advisor: Nils Larsen. Seriously involved in Zell's media purchases, including the Trib. A November 2007 profile from Crain's: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=28758

This interview with Blagojevich is over the top! http://punkeconomics.blogspot.com/2008/12/rod-just-wont-leave-me-again.html

The Tribune has identified the financial adviser as Nils Larsen. Nice going db.