Lu Parker's boss says anchor's relationship with Mayor Villaraigosa isn't an issue

 

KTLA news director Jason Ball told The Times' media columnist, James Rainey, that he doesn't see a conflict in anchor Lu Parker's relationship with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Ball said Parker doesn't cover politics and won't cover the mayor.

"There is no issue," Ball said. "She is not a political reporter. She doesn't cover politics generally. ... The mayor doesn't work in our newsroom. There will be no conflict."

According to Rainey: "A KTLA insider offered the further assurance that Parker [as an anchor] usually relies on scripts written by others. So she won't have a major role in shaping content."

Ball also said KTLA, which is owned by Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times, has no plans to address the relationship on the air.

Villaraigosa told reporters Tuesday: "I've got a right to a personal life. I have a right to privacy."

Read Rainey's full column here.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: KTLA

Comments

[Tina Hernandez]

The mayor likes to date people in the media.

[Steve E.]

"Doesn't cover politics GENERALLY", "USUALLY relies on scripts", "(W)on't have a MAJOR role in shaping content." Thanks, Channel 5. Not only are you not convincing anyone about the lack of conflict of interest, you have your own news director calling news "scripts." Absolutely pathetic. I suppose he's going to follow up this gem with an announcement that Stephanie Edwards is fired from the 2010 Rose Parade.

[no sanctuary]

You can't figure some gals choice in men. You have women marrying death row inmates and others dating midgets with clown grins.

[outsider52]

Will he change his name to Antonio Villaluparker?

[Richard Deight]

Here we go again with another reporter. Wasn't the daliance with the last one enough? Got Marthala Salinas suspended, then fired.

Funny that the good mayor didn't rate a slap on the wrist for the same indiscretion. Why wasn't he also relieved of duty pending an "investigation"? Talk about a double standard.

[Ruby Jackson]

If I were her employer, I would be a bit perturbed that she hadn't informed me of her relationship with the mayor, "just in case" of a conflict-of-interest. Her lack of disclosure should be enough to fire her.

[jessica vanmeter]

Lu parker is hot he totally got lucky and I don't think its a big deal so long as shes not covering politics.Who wouldn't want to date her.

[not again]

ktla is trash just like its trashy anchors that work for them. they dont act professional on air and no wonder their anchors act un professional dating the mayor

[Ben Cedino]

Who even knows who Lu Parker is? She should be fired for "reporting" on him while seducing him. Probably got a condo out of it like the last one---on the taxpayers dime.The mayor spends more time "dating" and being a "media whore" than actually doing his job. Why doesn't he became an entertainer instead of a "politician?" But I think it's great that he is dating on older woman...Lu did you comment on yourself being hot? Your prime was 30 years ago. Now you are another digrace to the has-been pagent world. On youtube (cause I don't watch Channel 5) I only found a video of her taking about self defense and other one where her privates are being waxed. Whooo what a great reporter...a woman that is as stupid now as she was back then...

[Lola]

What would Hal say??? KTLA has followed down the path of all the other stupid LA late night news. Lu, if you're doing this for publicity, mission accomplished. But if you really believe that this is a "meaningful relationship" to Good Ol "Tonio", well maybe you should have brunch w/ Corrina,or the other news reporter, secretary, or personal assistant that Tonio has has two timed, jilted, or banged and bolted. I am more surprised that Tonio even walked into a book store!!!

[Debbie Sharp]

I can understand why KTLA news director Jason Ball doesn't see a problem with this "ethics" violation. The reason he doesn't see anything wrong with this, is because the leaders that are in place today don't see the need for integrity, accountability, personal responsibility, morals, values.