Never Confuse Torstar with The New York Times Hi All,
From time-to-time, some contributors to this board ask why Torstar can’t simply hire someone from The New York Times to replicate their financial success. Herein are the reasons why it has no chance of success with the current Torstar regime:
1. The New York Times is an iconic publication in the largest market in the wealthiest country in the world. Along with The Washington Post, the NYT holds a revered place in American journalism and hires and retains the best minds in the business.
2. The strife and divisiveness in America have created the optimal environment for a beacon of liberalism to shine. The investment in quality journalism, the pursuit of truth based on facts and an unsurpassed focus on quality has allowed for a renaissance for this newspaper organization.
3. The NYT has deep financial support from its major shareholders, holds a long-term perspective and has a laser-like focus on quality journalism. They let their financial results follow the product they deliver to consumers and their plans are grounded in reality.
4. The Sulzberger family has had a controlling interest in the NYT since 1896 and has never wavered from their commitment to quality journalism. They hire and retain the best and reward talent.
5. The Torstar Voting Trust is composed of a group of heirs with no real connection, understanding or commitment to excellence. They have been dining out on the past successes of The Star for decades,
6. The abysmal oversight and pervasive incompetence have created an organization seething with dissent, despair and dysfunction.
7. Success at Torstar is not based on merit, but apparently, on whatever relationship, you currently enjoy with Honderich. His meddling and erratic behaviour contribute immensely to the lack of discipline and performance of the entire organization.
8. Observe over the coming months as Freddy Krueger (aka Fredric Karen, SVP Editorial) is undermined and eventually departs from Torstar. He will enjoy a brief and glorious honeymoon until he somehow and probably unknowingly crosses Honderich. He will then be quickly undermined by him and his gang of cronies at every turn. In frustration, he will soon realize his folly and make his way back to Sweden, albeit with a handsome settlement. You can take this prediction to the bank.
9. Once again, the Voting Trust will sit back and do nothing. Honderich will spin some fantastical tale of Swedish incompetence and his not understanding Canadian ways. Boynton will be all to glad to have someone else take a bullet.
Finally, we need to disabuse ourselves that Torstar can in any way resemble The New York Times until Honderich is removed and Fairfax assumes control.