Two former Daily Pilot veterans are looking to start a daily Internet publication along with a weekly print edition for Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
Tom Johnson, the former publisher of the Daily Pilot, and Bill Lobdell, the paper’s former editor, plan to run their Web site and weekly paper as a nonprofit.
The idea is to generate revenue through advertising sales and donations, based on the model used by National Public Radio and PBS.
The two hope to draw support from readers and foundations in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
Last month, Johnson and Lobdell sent out a letter looking for corporations, foundations and individuals to donate $200,000 in startup costs and about $200,000 a year outside of advertising to help run the paper.
The publication would include community watchdog coverage, opinions and editorials, an events calendar, local sports and videos.
The two former Daily Pilot employees said they’ve expressed interest in buying the Daily Pilot from Chicago-based Tribune Co., which filed for bankruptcy last month.
The two men said they received no response.
Tribune also owns the Los Angeles Times, which runs the Daily Pilot.
The end goal is to fund an endowment that will ensure Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will have a media voice long after they pass from the scene, according to Johnson and Lobdell.
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Michael Volpe
