AP Ends Book Reviews, LA Times Also Makes Book Changes

By Dermot McEvoy -- Publishers Weekly, 9/27/2007 5:25:00 AM

In a move that echoed the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s decision earlier this year to eliminate its book review editor, the Associated Press, according to Editor & Publisher, has decided to discontinue its book review package. "AP is revamping its lifestyles coverage," Linda M. Wagner told E&P, "to focus more resources on topics like food and parenting, and as a result we are discontinuing the book-review package that has moved through that department."

According to Wagner, the AP "remains as committed as ever" to covering books, but will do so with reviews and author features in its arts and entertainments departments.

Wagner also said that the AP national staff still retains a reporter, Hillel Italie, whose beat remains publishing and books.

In another move related to book reviews, E&P also reported that the Los Angeles Times will merge its opinion section (called "Current") with its book review beginning next April 15. According to a press release put out by the Times, the paper will have more book reviews throughout the paper.

The release also said the Times would be expanding its Web section on books to include book-related events, lecture listings and bookstore searches.

"Our customers are changing how they live, work and play in Southern California," said David D. Hiller, the Times publisher, "including how, when and where they get their news and information. We are changing with them, adding in some areas and going in a new direction in others, and always sustaining the world class content our readers and users expect."