Tierney To Return To Inquirer As Advisor
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A former publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer will play a role in helping to advise the new owners on advertising strategies. The appointment -- among a few others -- is an indication that they're trying to 'carry on,' despite the sudden loss of co-owner Lewis Katz in that weekend private jet crash.
When Lewis Katz and Gerry Lenfest became the successful bidders at auction for the company, it was announced that Lenfest would be the interim publisher, while they went on a national search.
Katz and Lenfest told newsroom employees after their successful auction that they were looking at 4-5 publisher candidates.
In the meantime, Brian Tierney, who led the company as publisher when there were local owners from 2006 to 2010, will help Lenfest, the long-time philanthropist. Lenfest indicates Tierney will serve as Interim Special Advisor to the Publisher, focusing on advertising.
In a statement he put out, Tierney wrote "If during this transition period my expertise and qualifications can help the organization, I want to do so."
It was Tierney who brought in Bill Marimow as editor to run the Inquirer in 2006. Marimow was at the center of the dispute between rival owners that led to the auction.
Tierney also extended his deepest sympathies to the Katz family, calling him "an exceptional human being, a true philanthropist and a tremendous businessman." Tierney says his 'most important titles were father, grandfather and friend.'
