Congressional delegation urges Times Co. to 'preserve' Globe

Most of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry, have sent a letter to New York Times Co. chairman Arthur Sulzberger, expressing concerns about the threatened shutdown of The Boston Globe and urging him to work toward a solution that "preserves the newspaper for the future."

The letter was released by the Boston Newspaper Guild, the Globe's largest union, representing more than 600 editorial, advertising and business office workers. The Times Co. has threatened to shutter the Globe unless the Guild and other unions agree to $20 million in concessions by the end of this week. The Globe is projected to lose $85 million this year with significant cost savings, according to the Times Co.

"We appreciate and share the concerns voiced by the members of Congress about the future of the Globe," Sulzberger said in a statement. "We are fully aware of the critical role it has and does play, not only in Boston, but throughout Massachusetts and New England. As we have said, we care deeply about the Globe and we hope to place this great newspaper on the path to sustainability."

Guild officials could not be reached immediately for comment.

The letter was signed by every member of the congressional delegation except Representative Stephen Lynch, Democrat of South Boston. Lynch could not be immediately reached for comment.

In the letter, the senators and representatives called the Globe "an immense asset to Boston and all of New England" that has provided news, jobs and "a constant reminder that the press serves and indispensable role in our free society."

"We understand the serious financial challenges facing the newspaper industry today,'' the letter said. "The ramifications, however, of closing the Globe would far outlive the current recession. We urge you to treat the The Globe fairly and to work together on a solution to this immediate crisis that preserves the future of the newspaper."

Click here to read the letter.

(By Robert Gavin, Globe staff)