Washington Times Shutdown?

Media | Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 11:40:04 am PST

TPM’s Ben Frumin reports that the Washington Times may be on the brink of a shutdown: Is The Washington Times’ Continued Operation In Jeopardy?

Things seem to be going from bad to worse at the Washington Times. And the continued operation of the newspaper, which is owned by Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church, seems to be in serious doubt.

There’s already been plenty of speculation that the paper might fold or go online-only. Sources at the Times said they fear major changes and that the Moon family feud that’s driving the paper’s turmoil could lead to the Times shutting down in the coming months — with some suggesting that Preston Moon, the reverend’s son who serves as chairman of News World Communications, the parent company of the Washington Times, came close to that decision last weekend.

Others believe the paper, with its relatively modest circulation, could pursue an online-only strategy to harness its growth in that area. They also remain pleased with the new Washington Times radio network.

And the paper itself reported this week that “an independent assessment and leadership team has been organized to address the practicalities of daily operations, and ultimately, the future sustainability of the news organization.”

Still, acting president and publisher Jonathan Slevin told Times employees that “there are no plans to shut the company down.”

Slevin did not return a phone call seeking comment today, and declined to talk to TPM when we reached him yesterday.