Losing Control: The Ochs-Sulzberger family, is like that middle class family who is about to lose their house

How will the Ochs-Sulzberger family justify their relevancy now? -BY SDH The New York Times Co reported nasty second quarter results as its stock price continued slide slowing at $12.48. This puts the company's market cap at measly $1.76 billion opening the door for someone to drop a sweet offer on the table double the current value which would put massive pressure on the Ochs-Sulzberger family to sell. But to sell now would be a huge loss for the family and its shareholders. Perhaps now is the time for CEO Janet Robinson to either get creative or if she can’t go the distance, head for the exit. Her leaving won't make a difference but sometimes a change at the top gives those who have loads to lose, a little hope. Some would argue that the Ochs-Sulzberger's should have gotten out when they had a chance, but now the company may never run on all cylinders again. The Ochs-Sulzberger’s grip may finally break, if it isn't already broken. At its current $12.48 stock price—down 46.3% from a year ago—Times Co. has a $1.79 billion market cap. To put this in perspective, CBS recently acquired tech publisher CNET, a much weaker media brand, for $1.8 billion. Add in the company's $1.1 billion of debt, subtract $42 million for its cash on hand, and the company's total enterprise value—a valuation measure that totals up those items in such a fashion—is just $2.85 billion. How Can The New York Times Be Worth So Little?

Media CEOs could learn a thing or two from HP CEO Mark Hurd

-SDH As some media CEOs struggle to get their companies back on good footing they constantly have their radars up for the next big thing that they hope will generate growth and additional revenue. But sometimes it’s not the lack of having what you may think is the next big thing in your stable. Sometimes what the company may need is an overhaul, a streamlining, and a revamp or whatever you want to call it. Sometimes it’s the CEOs lack of discipline and outdated management style that is holding the company back. Some media CEOs may look to their predecessors for advice or a legend in their business who has retired. By doing so, a media CEO is likely to get the same recycled advice. So where then should he/she turn for a fresh take on running a tight ship? Outside the media ring of course. One person comes to mind right away and that’s HP CEO Mark Hurd. Hurd took over a troubled company from the spotlight loving Carly Fiorina and whipped it into shape. He barely makes appearances, not to make a statement, but because he is actually huddled with his management team working. Hurd is loved by his board for his operational and cost cutting skills as well as his management style among other things. Such qualities could help many of the struggling media companies around today who are in a battle to make their mark on the digital playing field and sometimes loses focus on the business itself. Oh yeah those media CEOs who publicly say that their top priority is the shareholder, you are already off on the wrong foot. For Mark Hurd, the consumer is king!

Bertelsmann's new regime claims its first victim....

Jasmine Borhan the spin doctor for German media giant Bertelsmann AG -AKA- Bertie since 2005, has suddenly decided to pursue other interests just in time for the coming of new Bertie CEO Hartmut "Hart" Ostrowski. In an announcement posted on Bertie's corporate site December 21, 2007, the company made sure to mention that it was her own decision to leave, almost sounding as if they were trying to convince themselves. But we all know that when a new CEO takes charge, he/she kicks leftovers to the curb to make room for his/her own people. You are even more likely to be kicked to the curb when you're a newbie. Jasmine Borhan was only with Bertie for about 2 years so apparently Mr. Ostrowski's henchmen want to surround the boss with Bertie veterans. Can you blame them? Who better to spin Bertie's bullshit than a longtime bullshitter from within Bertie? This may be the beginning of many more exits now that Ostrowski is officially in control. -YOSH

Good Morning Mr. Chief Executive: Today is Jeff Bewkes's first day on the job

Today, is a new day at media giant Time Warner. It’s even a newer day for Jeff Bewkes as he steps into the glitzy Time Warner Center as the new CEO. His coffee is probably waiting for him in his office, as well as a full schedule, then again this is probably the norm since his HBO days. No need for Jeff to hop on the corporate jet and head off to the West Coast to meet with Studio heads and other underlings. They were all already reporting to him anyway. So in a nut shell, nothing has really changed except that the buck stops with him now. Jeff's team of assistants probably already had an email drafted that will go out to the troops at some point today if at all. We know for sure that Jeff will be calling up major shareholders, if he didn't already, to talk the talk and reiterate to them that making them richer is his priority, even if it means, firing some people. For the next 99 days we will be watching Jeff Bewkes's every move as CEO. We don't expect any major changes in a little over 3 months but hopefully by the end of this time he will have his team in place. -YOSH