In the ongoing bankruptcy case of the Santa Barbara News-Press, owner Wendy McCaw has been found in contempt of court. This ruling, detailed in a 71-page report by a U.S. Magistrate this month, is tied to accusations of unfair labor practices that have long plagued McCaw’s management of the publication.
The contempt proceedings, which were initially postponed in May, have now culminated in a stark judgment against McCaw’s Ampersand Publishing Company. The case has drawn attention due to McCaw’s controversial stewardship of the once-acclaimed newspaper, which includes a history of conflict with editorial staff and labor unions.
Legal representatives for Ampersand and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have encountered additional complications regarding access to the News-Press’s historic building near Santa Barbara City Hall and a printing facility in Goleta. Attempts are being made to negotiate safe entry to these premises, as the contents are expected to be auctioned, potentially fetching around $200,000.
Throughout McCaw’s ownership, which began when she purchased the News-Press, she has been heavily criticized for her editorial interference. High-profile clashes included her directives on stories, including one regarding actor Rob Lowe.
The News-Press, which had been a staple in the community and had previously won a Pulitzer Prize, ceased publication and declared bankruptcy under McCaw’s tumultuous ownership. The story of the newspaper and its conflicts under McCaw’s reign were notably featured in the documentary “Citizen McCaw.”
Currently, the bankruptcy proceedings continue, and the NLRB is set to outline recoverable costs. McCaw and Ampersand must navigate these proceedings before any financial obligations are settled. Meanwhile, disheartened former employees and long-time readers have turned to alternative news sources, like edhat and the Santa Barbara Independent, mourning the loss of the 150-year-old publication.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about the synergy between media ownership, labor rights, and editorial freedom, drawing attention from journalists and observers nationwide, reflecting on the broader implications for press freedom in the corporate era.
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In contempt and contemptible.
Thanks Ed, including all the backstory as well. Perusing from the start ran into this comment from Robert that sums it up well:
https://www.edhat.com/news/santa-barbara-news-press-to-stop-delivering-papers/#comment-49609
…no “sugar coating” needed/allowed! ?
Agreed, but most of us news readers have kept up on every story. The Independent has great coverage.
What will it take to have any effect on her? She’ll appeal every decision. Time will save her. Sound familiar?
Also, there are some entertaining comments on that old thread, lol
Most of those right wing trolls are no longer here but one has persisted.
All of Santa Barbara has contempt for Wendy McCaw.
dalgorf – I agree and if they don’t, they sure should!! Hopefully this is the start of holding her accountable for her actions!
Anyone wanna guess who she’ll vote for in November?