March 31--Rob Curley, editor of the Orange County Register, confirmed on Thursday that it would be his last day leading the paper.
At the conclusion of a bankruptcy auction just over a week ago, a judge in Santa Ana approved the sale of the Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise -- which had been owned by Freedom Communications -- to Digital First Media.
Curley was among some 70-plus Register employees who, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity when discussing the paper, were being targeted for layoffs. He joined Freedom in 2012 and, before becoming editor, served as deputy editor of local news, leading a relaunch of the Register's 22 community newspapers.
Reflecting on what he called the joys of working at a newspaper, Curley said: "I like the fact that we, as a major metropolitan newspaper, can be a strong reflection of our community. The Register has always been known for taking these big chances visually. It's caring. It's thorough. It puts the Brea girls winning the state basketball championships on the cover," as well as precise analysis pieces.
Curley expressed sadness about the impending layoffs, saying he tried to guide content for the newspaper "the way you would in providing a well-balanced meal. There are mashed potatoes for comfort, steak for protein, broccoli and then the people always want dessert. Most newspapers are like 100% broccoli, but we believe that we need all the ingredients to grow audience."
anh.do@latimes.com
Twitter: @newsterrier
