Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mayor Tony's Ladyfriend Suspended
I may not remember much from college.
But one phrase uttered by my dear Professor Richard "Poopsie" Schwarzlose at journalism school is branded on my brain: conflict of interest. Even today, if there's ever a question, I think, WWPD: What Would Poopsie Do?
Well Poopsie probably wouldn't be happy with one Mirthala Salinas, the local Telemundo newscaster who, involved in an on-the-DL affair with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, was also cheekily reporting, "the rumors are true!" about the demise of the Mayor's 20-year marriage.
Now, after a three-week investigation, Telemundo is handing down their sentence: Salisnas is suspended for two months, without pay. Telemundo network president, Don Browne:
"We have determined that, while the content and accuracy of KVEA's newscasts were not compromised, our news policy standards with respect to conflict of interest were clearly violated."
Just desserts? I'm not so sure. She hasn't been fired. She still gets to come back. And by breaking one of journalism's cardinal rules, she not only tarnished her reputation, she took that station down with her. They would do well to distance themselves as far as possible from her. (The LA Times quotes an anonymous Telemundo executive who says everyone knew. Cameramen, producers, reporters...).
Sponsored message
Maybe then that "conflict-of-interest" phrase would be seared into her memory, and those of Telemundo executives, as deeply as it is in mine... and Poopsie's.
Photo via Telemundo
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
