Jane Harman to Join Newsweek Daily Beast Board

When Sidney Harman died, the rumor was that his 29-year-old son Daniel would take his place on the company’s board. It turns out that wasn’t true, as the company announced late yesterday that Jane Harman, a former Democratic Congresswoman, will be taking over Sidney’s position effective immediately.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Harman originally stated that his wife wouldn’t have any part in the company because of a potential conflict of interest, but when she resigned those concerns decreased.

Ms. Harman said in a statement:

The Harman family fully endorsed Sidney’s vision to save and restore Newsweek, and to merge it with The Daily Beast. We are so pleased with the progress to date. As a Director, I will work to support the best of journalism – in print, digital, and mobile. Our family will remain actively engaged and totally committed to the success of this enterprise.

As far as the conflict of interest concerns with Ms. Harman, FishbowlNY really doesn’t see any. Sure, she’s a Democrat, but Newsweek and The Daily Beast have always leaned a little to the left. And it’s not like anyone reads Newsweek anyway. Oh! Thank you, thank you very much, we’ll be here all night folks. Well, not all night, probably until about six or so.

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