Ariail hired by Herald-Journal

Maybe we spent too much time while in the industry comparing one media conglomerate to another, but the first though that came to our mind when we saw this story fly across the wire early this morning was, “Oh, ho! McClatchy got so owned.” Former editorial cartoonist for The State, Robert Ariail, he who was twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize before being forced into leaving the paper, has been snapped up by The Herald-Journal.

It’s an interesting move for the SHJ, which is a part of the New York Times Company and has the same issues as every other mid-size paper. Also, it wasn’t too long ago that editorial cartoonists nationwide staged a protest against the trend of papers — like The State — letting go of talented cartoonists and instead relying on wire services. And here’s the Spartanburg paper swinging to the opposite end entirely.

Herald-Journal Executive Editor Mike Smith said the newspaper had a unique opportunity to provide more for its readers.

“Robert Ariail will be doing unique local content our readers have not had in the past,” Smith said. “Most of our readers are familiar with his award-winning work on national issues, but adding his graphic perspective on Spartanburg issues will bring a new level of commentary to our pages and generate additional interest in the Herald-Journal and GoUpstate.com. We’re enthusiastic about this partnership.”

Hey, at least somebody’s hiring, even if you have to get close to winning a Pulitzer to get the job.