This comes from Publishers Weekly‘s Rachel Deahl, whose word must be taken with a grain of salt, but she’s claiming that San Francisco Chronicle books editor Oscar Villalon has taken a buyout and will be leaving the Chron on Friday. This will leave Regan McMahon as the only full-time staffer handling books.
I have emails in to a few Chron people to determine what’s happening here and how this Villalon’s buyout will affect future books coverage at my former hometown newspaper. If I learn anything, I will report it here.
[UPDATE: I have corroborated with two sources at the Chron that Villalon’s last day will indeed be Friday. More info as I learn more.]
© 2008, Edward Champion. All rights reserved.
“in to”
I just heard from Oscar and he says there are no planned changes to the book review. Of course, this plan is good for about 5 seconds in this turbulent newspaper industry.
Thanks, Frances. It’s good to know that Oscar answers SOME of his email. I’ve yet to hear back from him.