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Staples Chief Urges ‘Globe’ to Keep Barnicle
BOSTON–Staples chairman Thomas Stemberg on Friday wrote a letter to Boston Globe publisher Benjamin Taylor encouraging him to resolve differences with columnist Mike Barnicle. “The diminished editorial content of the Globe that would result from Mike Barnicle’s departure would render the Globe a less attractive advertising vehicle,” according to a copy of the letter obtained by Adweek. Stemberg could not be reached for comment. Globe representative Rick Gulla, who acknowledged Taylor’s receipt of the letter, said pressure from advertisers would not influence whatever decision the newspaper makes about the columnist’s employment.