Exclusive
Us Weekly West Coast executive editor – and, of late, our favorite punching bag – Ken Baker must be growing a bit nervous about his future tenure with Jann Wenner's tab. How else to explain his recent chats with the competition? We hear exclusively that Baker – who's Us contract is said to expire in the spring of '07 – has been making the inquiry rounds with People managing editor Larry Hackett. Baker phoned Hackett to let him know his services are available, should People need the West Coast help. Bragging about his ability to "rally the reporters" and get them to "break news on a regular basis," Baker spoke to Hackett as recently as August about a possible jump.
It wasn't until People staffers got wind of the conversations and confronted Hackett about fraternizing – and potentially hiring – Baker did the Time Inc. title chieftan back off from talks. (It's no secret People staffers don't look highly of Baker.) Hackett's excuse for taking Baker's calls? That he was merely conducting "investigative research" on the competition, using the Us editor to learn more about Janice Min's operations with no intention of actually hiring him. Which would make sense, theoretically, as this wouldn't be the first time Hackett has done it.
On Baker's end, meanwhile, a jump to People may not be what's he's actually after. He could be simply stirring up interest in his gossip brand name to ensure things go his way when it's time to renegotiate his contract in the spring. Or at least that's that excuse he can tell boss Janice when she reads this.
(Photo: Ken Baker, here with Christina Aguilera, at Us Weekly's Hot Hollywood party)
Editorial Director
Ken would be perfect at People. He could be a perfect replacement for Todd Gold. He's right - he can really rally those female reporters!
Hey, I like Ken, he tried to make me look straight withthat kissing Teri Hatcher paparazzi set up!
Shouldn't Baker's pitch be "break fake news on a regular basis?"
Ken Baker is a great writer
his book They don;t play hockey in heavan is amazing and i suggest it to you whether or not you like sports because it is simply an amazing and just impeccible book.
is he still cheating on his wife with his nanny? that would be a great book! can't wait to read it!
This guy is an egomaniac douchebag, I hope he goes slow, brain tumor would be too fast
Let's not forget that Baker was a staffer at People's LA bureau a few years ago. The nadir of his career there was his reporting, erroneously, that David Carradine had been court-marshaled and dishonorably discharged from the military. The piece also described Carradine, perhaps not so erroneously, as "washed up," "unemployable" and "a drunk." Carradine sued People, Baker et al. A judge threw the case out, but Baker's carelessness cost Time Inc. much embarrassment and boocoo bucks. He left the company soon after. (1999?)