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The L.A. Times will resume calling its staff critics what they are. Memo today:
From: Wolinsky, Leo
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:58 AM
Subject: Critic Bylines After a 7-year hiatus, we’ve decided to return to using specialist bylines for our critics. Instead of carrying Times Staff Writer bylines, the critics will be designated by their specialties, for example, Kenneth Turan, Times Film Critic or Irene Virbila, Times Restaurant Critic. We’re doing this for several important reasons. First, this will help readers quickly distinguish news reporting and analysis from criticism. It will signal to readers that these writers have the specific background and knowledge to review work in their subject areas. It will more clearly identify them on line. It also will help us promote their exclusive work. --Leo Wolinsky, Associate Editor
Will they do the same with the science writers and other specialists? Their bylines went generic a few years ago, which helps the editors mask that they divert science and medical writers to cover fires on weekends and holidays.