California Post Bolsters Sports Team with Veteran Journalists
The California Post, a new sports media startup backed by the New York Post, has announced the hiring of seasoned sportswriter Ben Bolch from the Los Angeles Times. This marks a significant addition as the Post prepares for its launch later this month, ramping up staffing in a competitive market.
Recent High-Profile Hires at California Post
Ben Bolch, who has spent 26 years at the Los Angeles Times and has extensively covered UCLA athletics, will join the California Post as a senior college sports reporter. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity on Twitter, stating, “We are building something special, and I hope you’ll join us” (Twitter).
Bolch’s hiring is part of a broader strategy by the California Post to attract established journalists from traditional outlets. He joins several other notable hires, including:
Vincent Bonsignore
Previously a senior writer at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bonsignore has covered the Las Vegas Raiders for the past six years. He will now serve as a senior NFL columnist for the California Post, sharing his excitement about the new role on Twitter (Twitter).
Michael Duarte
After dedicating 12 years to sports journalism at NBC Los Angeles, Duarte has been brought on as a senior sports writer. His commitment to joining the new team highlights the California Post’s ambition to create a competitive sports coverage platform (Twitter).
Charly Hill
Recent Miami graduate Charly Hill is stepping into the role of sports content creator after interning and freelancing at prominent outlets like Bleacher Report and TNT Sports. Hill expressed her eagerness for this new chapter and the exciting opportunities it presents (Twitter).
Impact of Departures from the Los Angeles Times
Bolch’s move follows the exits of other prominent figures from the Los Angeles Times, including sports columnist Dylan Hernandez and Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris, further diminishing the paper’s already reduced sports staff. With Bolch’s departure, the Times now employs just nine full-time sports staff writers—a stark contrast to its once robust roster, which established it as a leading voice in sports journalism.
Current Staffing at Los Angeles Times
The current sports section is led by key figures including columnist Bill Plaschke and senior writers Bill Shaikin and Kevin Baxter. This has raised questions about the future of sports coverage at the Los Angeles Times, especially in light of recent newsroom cuts and buyouts.
California Post’s Expanding Sports Coverage
While the California Post is establishing its brand, its initial sports coverage will center on the Los Angeles teams still covered by the Times, including the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, Chargers, USC, and UCLA. The Post is also targeting additional talent to enhance its content offerings before its official launch on January 26.
Leadership in Sports Coverage
- Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris will spearhead MLB and Dodgers coverage, while Khobi Price and Melissa Rohlin will manage NBA and Lakers reporting.
- Vincent Bonsignore will focus on NFL and Rams coverage, and Ben Bolch will lead the conversation around college sports, particularly regarding USC and UCLA.
The Future of Sports Journalism
The California Post aims to redefine sports journalism in Southern California as the Los Angeles Times faces challenges and transformations in its sports department. As the landscape evolves, the California Post’s aggressive recruitment could position it as a formidable player in sports media.
For more updates, follow the California Post on their official website and stay tuned to Twitter for announcements and breaking news.
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This strategic realignment in local sports journalism underscores the growing competition in the industry and the quest for quality coverage in a changing landscape.
