On line Gaming

Online gaming had ties to US ‘super-lobbyists’

By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
Published: October 5 2006 22:03 Last updated: October 5 2006 23:06

PartyGaming, SportingBet and other online gaming companies paid millions of dollars to Washington lobbyists linked to Jack Abramoff, the notorious super-lobbyist, to help them thwart US anti-gambling legislation.
Mr Abramoff’s highly public fall from grace and conviction on criminal corruption charges earlier this year – and the downfall of many of his associates – opened the door for the passage last weekend of a law that he and the companies staunchly opposed.

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A publisher on the edge

Times Publisher Johnson Forced Out

By James Rainey, Times Staff Writer11:52 AM PDT, October 5, 2006

The Tribune Co. forced out Los Angeles Times Publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson this morning, a little more than a month after he defied the media conglomerate's demands for staff cuts that he suggested could damage the newspaper.Tribune Publishing President Scott C. Smith huddled with top managers at the newspaper this morning and announced that David Hiller, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, would immediately replace Johnson as chief executive at the 125-year-old newspaper. Hiller is the 12th publisher of The Times.

"After a thorough review, Jeff and I agreed that he should resign at this time," Smith said in a statement. "We do agree on many priorities to best serve our customers, communities and shareholders. The Times' has also made great progress on many fronts in the face of intense marketplace challenges. However, this leadership change is necessary because of important differences on how best to shape our future."

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