Times rethinks 'staff writer'

Last week's News & Chatter post about the LAT sports editor giving the Times Staff Writer designation to reporters from sister papers rang some alarm bells. Romenesko picked it up, LA Observed got email, and Times editor Dean Baquet summoned sports editor Randy Harvey to ask what the fuss was about. I'm told that Baquet had initially approved the change in Times style, but now they have decided that Sports will return to the usual Times practice. Harvey's note to his desk:

Staff,

To conform with the byline style used in other sections, we will change the designation of Ed Hinton and Phil Hersh. Their stories will be identified as "Special to the Times.''

Taglines for Hersh will read: Phil Hersh covers the Olympics for the Times and Chicago Tribune.

Taglines for Hinton will read: Ed Hinton covers auto racing for Tribune newspapers.

Thanks.
Randy