Ridder made impression at Star Tribune

Newspaperman Par Ridder has earned the rare distinction of becoming the former-publisher of both of Minnesota's largest newspapers within the same year.

On Tuesday, a Ramsey County judge forced Ridder to step down from his post as publisher of the Star Tribune because Ridder had taken confidential financial records from his previous employer, the Pioneer Press. The ruling says Ridder's actions caused the Pioneer Press "irreparable harm," and it bars him from working at the Star Tribune for one year. In the meantime, Star Tribune Chairman Chris Harte will take over publishing duties.

Ridder switched papers in March and took other Pioneer Press executives with him. One of those executives was also barred from working for the paper until April. Ridder has overseen staff cuts at both Twin Cities papers, as advertising income continue to decline.

Media commentator David Brauer talked to host Tom Crann.

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