Sun-kissed sister FBLA has the inside line on what some say are the less-than-seasoned picks from newly-anointed editor Russ Stanton, who today fills some seats at the beleaguered LA Times by tapping two from within. Former managing editor John Arthur becomes executive editor and former Business editor Davan Maharaj assumes the managing editor spot.

Official release, post-jump...

Los Angeles Times Announces Masthead Changes

Editor Russ Stanton Defines Key Editorial Positions

For John Arthur and Davan Maharaj

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2008 — The Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com) today announced the promotions of John Arthur to Executive Editor and Davan Maharaj to Managing Editor as part of the editorial restructuring currently being undertaken by Editor Russ Stanton.

"I'm thrilled to work alongside two richly experienced journalists and editors who share a deep dedication to ensuring The Times editorial relevance and role as one of the world's great newspapers," said Stanton. "John's terrific news judgment, deep experience and creativity will help us produce increasingly dynamic news and information to meet the changing needs and interests of our readers, and Davan's outstanding management and editing skills, broad range and distinguished track record make him ideally suited for his role."

Arthur, who has been Managing Editor since July 2007, assumes the newly created position of Executive Editor. He will continue as Page One Editor, helping set the overall strategy for The Times' news gathering operation across all mediums, with responsibility for shaping coverage of stories and the deployment of resources. Arthur will also oversee important production functions, including the A1, copy, design and photo desks.

As Managing Editor, Davan Maharaj assumes oversight of Foreign, National, Metro, Business, Science and Sports, and will work alongside Stanton and Arthur in directing coverage, deploying journalists and resources and overseeing personnel decisions. The Times Business Editor since February 2007, Maharaj is charges with further integrating the print and Web story pipelines.

NOTE to media: photos available upon request.

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About the Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times (http://latimes.com) is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 2.2 million and 3.2 million on Sunday, and a combined print and interactive weekly audience of 4.8 million. The Los Angeles Times and its media businesses and affiliates — including The Envelope (http://theenvelope.com), Metromix (http://losangeles.metromix.com), Times Community Newspapers, Hoy (http://hoyinternet.com), and California Community News — reach approximately 5.5 million or 42 percent of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times, has been covering Southern California for over 126 years and is part of Tribune Company, one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at http://latimes.com/mediacenter.