(March 4, 2008) -- Through several days of news cycles -- from the afternoon of Feb. 29 through at least dawn March 4 -- the Long Beach Press-Telegram has failed to tell readers in either its print edition or on its website that the LB City Council's March 4 agenda contains an item regarding that newspaper.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, and separately reported by TheDistrictWeekly.com, Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga agendized [on Feb. 29] the following item [bracketed material and a hyphen inserted by us for clarity]:

Request a report on Relationship with Press-Telegram

Recently Media News Group announced changes in their newspaper operations that include massive layoffs and reassignments at the Press-Telegram . It has been a past practice of Media News Group to acquire and liquidate under-performing publications.

With this in mind, I would ask that the City reevaluate our relationship with the Press-Telegram as it is to be restructure[d] and how it will impact the City's ability to communicate effectively with the Long Beach community.

Recommendation: Request the City Manager for report regarding relationship with Press-Telegram regarding public notices, meeting announcements and other public communications.

As of dawn today (March 4), neither the PT's print edition (received via ELB home delivery) nor its website had reported on the upcoming City Council item.

A call to the PT's newsroom at 7:04 a.m. today (March 4) seeking comment reached voice mail with no ability to leave a message.