* The Chicago Tribune editorial page finally addresses Ann Marie Lipinski’s claims that Sam Zell tried to influence editorials on Rod Blagojevich…

In June 2008, according to the story, Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell approached then-Editor Ann Marie Lipinski at a meeting, “saying that the Chicago Tribune should be harder on Gov. Rod Blagojevich. … In a news meeting later the same day, she found out that Mr. Zell was in negotiations to sell Wrigley Field to the state sports authority.” Lipinski says, “It was hard to avoid the conclusion that he was trying to use the newspaper to put pressure on Blagojevich.” […]

Zell has denied that he sought to use the newspaper for business purposes. No one from the editorial board was present for the conversation between Zell and Lipinski. We can, however, say with certainty that Tribune Co. executives — from Zell on down — have never tried to influence this editorial board. Their approach has been completely hands-off. Completely. They have had no impact whatsoever on our Blagojevich editorials. We realize that we cannot prove a negative. All we can do is tell you the truth and ask you to believe us.

How can the Tribune say “with certainty” that Zell never, ever tried to influence the editorial board when a former editorial board member editor is on record saying it was “hard to avoid the conclusion” that Zell was trying to use the paper to put pressure on Blagojevich?

*** UPDATE *** This is how. From Eric Zorn…

Ann Marie, as the editor, was not a member of the editorial board — didn’t sit on it, didn’t vote on it, etc. The same holds true today for Gerry Kern. Long established protocol as I understand it is that the editor in chief doesn’t dictate to or participate in the decisions of the board, though as a non-member myself I can’t swear that this has always been scrupulously heeded.

It would’ve helped had the Tribune explained this in the piece, or in conversations with me prior to this. Either way, it’s thankfully now cleared up.