Sam Zell to L.A. Times: Watch Porn at Your Desk, But Don't Piss All Over the Office!

Tribune chief Sam Zell had a meeting with the staff of The Los Angeles Times today that was so wildly entertaining it puts to shame the one he held at Newsday two weeks ago. Among other things discussed— his willingness to take a 50-cent salary!—he blasted outgoing editor Jim O'Shea, according to a newsroom source present.

Mr. Zell said this morning that Mr. O'Shea "pissed all over the company where he worked for over 30 years," and that he embarrassed the company.

"He really trashed him," our source said. "He said it was just unacceptable for him to humiliate me and humiliate this company and asked why he shit all over the place. He said that we have enough trouble as it is and it was a really, really bad way to go."

According to two L.A. Times sources, a lot of people at the paper felt the same way. "Someone, that being S.Z., finally called bullshit on Jim O'Shea," said a newsroom source. At the meeting there was a "lot of laugther and a lot of clapping. A lot of good energy."

In response to a question, Mr. Zell also talked about the importance of adding more local stories to the front page. When discussing newsroom decorum, he told reporters that if they want to watch porn all day at their desk then go for it! As long as they're productive. He added, with a smile, "Let me know if you find any good sites."