Tony Pierce Hired as LA Times Blogmaster

The LA Times snatches up LAist Tony Pierce to run their 25 blogs. Pierce, with uncharacteristic tact, suggests he might change things:

Andy: So is this a new position for the Times?
Tony: From what I understand it is a new position. Currently Bettie Rinehart has been in charge of the blogs which have been built out to about 25 blogs on the Times. But it sounds like my job will be slightly different from what she’s been up to.

The departing Matt Welch was Pierce’s big cool pal at the paper (as well as one of the stronger online presences) and pushed Pierce to go for the gig.

Predictably, some in the blogging community aren’t thrilled by the news. (Although some are quick to suck up, hoping for work, perhaps.)

Meredith Artley is certainly kicking Times.com into the big leagues. And what’s next for LAist? Choire’s available, we hear.

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