RJ purchase draws media reactions
Two views of the purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal by billionaire Sheldon Adelson:
"There will certainly be those who cry foul — especially on the political left and among good-journalism types — now that a massive GOP donor owns such a politically influential paper," The Washington Post wrote.
"Adelson has already shown, through his ownership of the Israel Hayom newspaper, that he can use a publication in his portfolio to promote a conservative agenda."
But the Post struck a positive note, citing its owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who bought the Wall Street Journal in 2007: "It's certainly possible for media outlets to continue producing high-quality journalism under the stewardship of politically active, super-wealthy buyers."
Former Review-Journal political reporter Molly Ball, now with The Atlantic magazine, wrote about the purchase of the Review-Journal:
"The prospect of Adelson — the world's 18th-richest person, who has given tens of millions of dollars to Republican candidates and causes and enjoys access and influence at the highest levels of GOP as a result — owning a major piece of the media has provoked understandable anxiety among local and national political watchers, particularly on the left."
She mentioned Adelson's history of suing local journalists:
"If I were still an RJ reporter, I'd be nervous."
She added, "The paper has long had one of the country's most libertarian-conservative editorial pages — the opinion writers crusaded against Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid for years, to little apparent effect — and when I worked there it was owned by the Stephens family of Arkansas, which at the time was the largest single donor to the right-wing Club for Growth.
"I can honestly say that none of this affected the paper's news coverage of politics in my time there. I wrote the stories I thought were important, and no editor or higher-up ever tried to slant them; I would have quit if they had."
The scene and heard
MGM Resorts International has teamed up with rising golf star Graham DeLaet. According to an announcement this week, DeLaet will "serve as an ambassador for MGM Resorts' portfolio of destination resorts and wear an MGM Resorts' logo hat while competing in PGA Tour events." He had three top 10 finishes in the past tour season, including a tie for fourth in the Travelers Championship.
On this day
Dec. 18, 1993: Kirk Kerkorian opens the new MGM Grand, the city's first billion-dollar hotel and the largest hotel in the country, with 5,005 rooms. The casino takes up more space than the playing field of Yankee Stadium.
Sightings
Local MLB phenoms Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant, on Fremont Street receiving ceremonial keys to Las Vegas on Thursday from Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who joked that she was presenting on behalf of "cougars." Harper was voted the National League's 2015 Most Valuable Player. Bryant was the NL's Rookie of the Year. ... Danny Ainge, president of the Boston Celtics' basketball operations, at the UNLV-Arizona State game on Wednesday. Wearing a white visor, Ainge was seated near Harper. They were introduced at halftime by local publicist Bruce Merrin. What did Ainge have to say when the Rebels blew a 14-point lead in the 66-56 loss? "Shot selection," Merrin said. ... Marie Osmond, backstage visiting Olivia Newton-John after the latter's "Summer Nights" show at the Flamingo on Wednesday. ... Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, stopping in db Brasserie in The Venetian to say hello to some fans following the GOP debate.
The punch line
"The fifth Republican debate took place (Tuesday) in Las Vegas. The Vegas debate included nine candidates, and, due to a little mix-up, Celine Dion and a white tiger." — Conan O'Brien
— Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke
