The media industry's nice guy begins his looong goodbye tour

Time Warner CEO Dick Parsons has officially begun his loooong goodbye tour. Dubbed as the media industry's diplomat, or the media industry's nice guy (OK we made that one up) The big bear of a media exec is packing it in as soon as the board says so. He has been talking up Jeff Bewkes as the best person to take over, as if he really needs to do that, and that he will be leaving the company in good shape. However Parsons does have his critics but that isn't going to stop the man who survived a merger disaster, lawsuits, Carl Icahn, his CFO's expensive taste in female companions and many other obstacles he faced from going out on a good note. “We’re in the passing lane right now, Jeff and I,” Parsons said. “The exact timing is up to our board to decide. But I’m running hard and Mr. Bewkes is running hard.” Parsons Prepares to Pass Baton to Bewkes [MCN]