LA Times Loses Veteran Crime Reporter Andrew Blankstein to NBC News

Andrew Blankstein leaves his longtime home for greener broadcasting pastures

Longtime crime reporter Andrew Blankstein is leaving the Los Angeles Times, his newspaper home of 23 years, for NBC News.

Editors David Maharaj and Marc Duvosin wrote a memo to staff to announce the news on Tuesday, praising Blankstein for his tireless coverage of southern California crime, including breaking the story of Michael Jackson's death in June 2009 (although TMZ has reason to dispute that claim … ).

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"Andrew’s work ethic is legendary," the memo continued. "So is his open-hearted collegiality … He was an early adopter of Web journalism and a natural on radio and television."

It is a major get for NBC News, where Blankstein tweeted that he was heading next as a member of its investigations team. He'll be "an on-air reporter focusing on West Coast investigations," the memo said.

"Words cannot express my thanks to my Times colleagues past and present for your good wishes," Blankstein tweeted. "It's been an honor to work alongside you."

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