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Sheldon Adelson

Adelson-owned Las Vegas Review-Journal names Glenn Cook interim editor

Roger Yu
USA TODAY
Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal has some observers worried that the newspaper's integrity will erode. Adelson is well-known as an extravagant financial benefactor of Republicans.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal, the newspaper undergoing a turbulent change in ownership, on Wednesday named editorial writer Glenn Cook as its interim editor, replacing his predecessor who left last month after casino magnate Sheldon Adelson bought the paper..

Cook steps into the role at a time of turmoil at the paper, which has made headlines nationally in recent weeks after Adelson seized control in December by paying $140 million for it through a limited liability company that listed none of its executives or shareholders.

As Cook met with staffers Wednesday, the paper also introduced new guidelines that will dictate the paper's coverage of Adelson and his wide array of interests.

Senior editorial writer Glenn Cook announces his appointment as interim editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal in the Review-Journal newsroom on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.

Adelson's clandestine purchase unleashed a flurry of criticism from staffers and local leaders who expressed concern that Adelson – known for lavish donations to the Republican Party and enjoying the reputation of a political kingmaker — is buying it at a hefty premium to exercise editorial control of Nevada’s largest newspaper. His ownership was revealed only after the Review-Journal and other news outlets published stories about his and his son-in-law's involvement in the acquisition.

Vegas newspaper owners in damage control mode

Adelson, who is chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., said he was merely delaying announcing his involvement to avoid distractions as a GOP presidential debate was held at The Venetian, a Las Vegas hotel owned by Sands, around the same time.

Michael Hengel, whom Cook replaces, at least for now, quit on Dec. 22 by accepting a buyout package offered by the new owner. Hengel had publicly questioned publisher Jason Taylor's decision to edit a story about the newspaper's sale after it had been posted, without discussing it with the editor.

Rieder: Ousted editor's wild ride in Adelson newspaper deal

The paper's new editorial guidelines – tweeted by the Review-Journal — address several points of contention that had been aired by staffers, many of them relating to how the paper will cover Adelson, one of the state's most powerful figures. The guidelines also underscore the fact that Cook’s reign will be temporary. “The Review-Journal needs someone in charge of the newsroom as soon as possible,” it said. Cook says he is not a candidate for the post.

Among other items on the list:

* The publisher will review all stories regarding Adelson’s ownership of the paper. “The publisher will make every effort to review significant stories in a timely fashion,” it said. Any changes by the publisher will be made “through the newsroom,” it said.

* The paper will issue a disclosure on page A3, stating Adelson’s ownership and his political, business and philanthropic efforts, including his Israeli interests. The statement also will be posted on the right rail of its website.

* It will cover the gaming industry as it has in the past.

* It will run a tagline disclosing Adelson’s ownership at the bottom of all relevant stories. The Adelson family will first alert the Review-Journal about any developments regarding its ownership or the paper.

* Adelson's ownership will also be disclosed in “major” stories about Las Vegas Sands. The Adelson family will receive “no special treatment” in coverage.

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