Times' changes back to the future in some respects

Mark has the rundown over at LA Biz Observed on the latest Los Angeles Times restructuring to keep the place running. In closing the Orange County printing plant (and casting off about 80 pressmen and women), the paper will be back to printing in one location for the first time in decades. It's a sign not just of how few papers are being printed relative to the boom times, but also that there's no ambitions for print growth. The OC plant, and the former plant in Chatsworth, were seen as crucial to the old strategy of Southern Califonia print dominance. (The lack of an alternative site could really be noticed after the next earthquake.)

The consolidation of printing will force earlier deadlines on the presses, so the printed paper will actually be less relevant to readers. In response, the Times will create a new section to contain later news. We'll have to see if that feels weird. Also, the Food section is returning to its traditional Thursday publication day, from Wednesdays. And the Business section will no longer stand alone on Mondays.

Here's publisher Eddy Hartenstein's note.

And: The Times announced yesterday it is launching two news websites in Orange County with U.S. Local News Network, the group behind San Diego News Network.