The L.A. Times has named former DirecTV exec Eddy Hartenstein publisher, according to a story in today's LAT.

Hartenstein reportedly didn't seek out the position and had to give it careful consideration before accepting Sam Zell's offer:

"I wanted to know that I would have the ability . . . to call the shots," said Hartenstein, who said his new boss made no demands concerning future staff cuts. Zell "basically said, 'You're the publisher and CEO. It's yours to run,' and that was pretty much it."

Hartenstein said he also sought assurances that Zell had no intention to simply "dress up the paper for a sale."

"One of the questions I asked Sam was: Are you going to keep this?" Hartenstein said. The answer "was a strong, affirmative 'Yes. This is a keeper.' "

We think the LAT is a keeper, too. Difference is, we believe us when we say that.