(Satire)
In a joint statement with Ratan N. Tata, head of India's Tata Group, New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. announced changes to the paper's editorial staff.
Noted columnist Thomas Friedman will be transferred to obituary editor. He will be replaced by Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, who has written extensively on issues of globalization.
Mr. Sulzberger was quoted as saying, "The recent moves will also enhance the perception about the company in the eyes of lenders and stakeholders and will lead to maximize shareholder value in the long run."
Mr. Tata was quoted as saying, "This is of how free trade benefits us all."
Mr. Friedman was quoted as saying, "What!?!?!?!?!?""
Mr. Jain will be filing columns electronically from in New Delhi. When asked for comment, he replied, "I am truly grateful for this opportunity, which has been enabled by technological advances that have reduced barriers for the flow of goods and services."
"These developments have truly made the world 'flatter', as Mr. Friedman so eloquently stated."