Chicago-based Tribune Co.'s board is mulling the possible ousting of Chief Executive Randy Michaels, after reports emerged that he encouraged a sexist atmosphere at the company offices.
Michaels has faced a number of controversies ever since he took over the once-glorious publishing house. The matter blew out of proportions when the New York Times ran a cover story citing the working environment at the company to be "frat house" like with demeaning attitude towards women.
Tribune board will decide the fate of Michaels as he has faced greater embarrassments in recent months, especially after the resignation of his chief innovation officer Lee Abrams. Lee resigned after sending all employees an e-mail that had a link to a video with objectionable sexual content. The mail was sent Oct. 11 and he resigned on Oct. 15 after facing extreme criticism from the company board and employees.
Tribune owns the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, KTLA-TV Channel 5 and other media companies. It filed for Chapter 11 protection in December 2008 after facing years of slumping profits. The company is expected to be taken over by a group of senior creditors and banks, with JPMorgan Chase as the main party.
Michaels was appointed to the coveted post in December 2009, after working for years with Tribune Chairman Sam Zell in setting up a number of radio stations, which were later acquired by Clear Channel Communications.
He was instrumental in improving the company cash flow despite the crisis in the publishing industry, an achievement that has also been complimented by the creditors.
