New York Times Co. vice chairman Michael Golden told Boston Globe employees Friday that the company has a duty to seek the highest bidder in a sale but hopes to leave the newspaper in responsible hands."Pinch sez: 'we're blowing the place out! Any deal will be considered! No offer too small!"
"We have no intention to send the New England Media Group to the slaughterhouse," he said in one of three town-hall style meetings with employees.
"If we do, it will be halal, which I know means a lot to you ethnics"
Golden came to Boston to discuss the Times Co.'s plan to sell the Globe, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and their related web sites. In the meetings, he was pressed to respond to questions about what kind of buyer the Times would seek.
"Any. I mean...really. Do you people ever read what you put out?"
"We will take what we consider to be the best bid,'' Golden said, describing a process that he estimated would take six to nine months. Price is important, he said, but there will be latitude as the Times reviews buyers. When pressed by employees, he said leaving the Globe in responsible hands will be a consideration.
"responsible should be construed as 'any'"