After 31 years of owning The Malibu Times, Karen and I have come to the conclusion that it’s time for us to retire—we’ve put both the newspaper and building up for sale. It is not an easy decision for us, sort of like deciding to sell one’s child. But the time has come for us to pass the pen.
When I say “Malibu Times,” it’s not just our award-winning weekly newspaper, but a media group that includes the newspaper, our quarterly Malibu Times Magazine, some specialized publications, websites, daily online newsletter and an ambitious social media program, which includes accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The newspaper debuted on May 2, 1946, just after World War II. The first owner (and we are only the second) was Reeves Templeman, a USC-trained journalist originally from Colorado. Over the ensuing 41 years, Reeves and his late wife, Eileen, and his later wife, Reta, published The Malibu Times weekly, never missing a week—not even the week he suffered his first heart attack!
In the late 1980s, Reeves, who was in his 80s, knew it was time to sell. A mutual friend and local realtor, Amy Young, shared this news with us over dinner one evening. The timing was perfect. As a burned out trial attorney, I was looking for my next step. And Karen, tired of hearing me whine about it, suggested a meeting with Reeves and Reta.
It was a match that must have been made in heaven; though, as we soon discovered, we had almost nothing in common—politically, socially or culturally—but we discovered that we shared a great love for Malibu and its intelligent, eccentric, opinionated, involved and varied citizenry. In the end, we became very close friends. And, with zero newspaper experience, Reeves and Reta patiently taught and advised me in the art and craft of newspapering until I was ready to solo. That was 31 years ago.
Publishing The Malibu Times products has turned out to be more than just a job or business for us: It has provided us with a wonderful way of life which is active, engaged and intellectually stimulating. It hasn’t always been easy and it didn’t make us rich, so why would anyone want to be the publisher of the Times?
1. Because you love Malibu
2. Because you want to be engaged in every aspect of Malibu
3. Because you want to have a say about Malibu and its future
4. Because you have the influence and platform to promote change where needed, and to inhibit change that is unwarranted
6. Because you have the means to provide recognition and support for our children, our worthy citizens and our organizations
5. Because you can do this without running for or being on City Council and sitting through all of those long meetings.
6. Because it’s the most interesting thing you’ll ever do in your life
If this sounds like something you, or someone you know, might be interested in, email Karen at yorkgrp@verizon.net.