What's Happening?
The second season of Peacock's mockumentary sitcom 'The Paper' utilized the Los Angeles Times' El Segundo headquarters as the set for the fictional Cincinnati Chronicle newsroom. This decision came after co-creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman visited
The Times' office for an interview and photo shoot for the show's debut season, finding the location visually appealing and suitable for portraying a larger, more established news outlet compared to the show's primary setting, the Toledo Truth Teller. The Los Angeles Times building, an eight-story midcentury structure that became the newspaper's headquarters in July 2018, features an open floor plan and communal hubs. Production designer Susie Mancini took extensive photos of The Times' newsroom to help set decorators recreate an authentic, lived-in feel for the Cincinnati Chronicle set, including details like sticky notes and local sports team memorabilia. The Cincinnati Chronicle appears in the final four episodes of the season, serving as a temporary workplace for Mare (Chelsea Frei), one of the main characters, who transfers there to minimize conflict concerns related to an office romance.
Why It's Important?
The use of a real, prominent news organization's headquarters for a fictional portrayal highlights the evolving landscape of media production and the blurring lines between reality and fiction in storytelling. For 'The Paper,' filming in an actual newsroom environment like the Los Angeles Times' headquarters lends authenticity to its depiction of journalism, a critical element for a mockumentary aiming to satirize the industry. This choice also reflects a practical approach to set design, leveraging existing, well-designed spaces rather than building elaborate sets from scratch, which can be cost-effective and visually convincing. The narrative decision to place a character in a seemingly more affluent newsroom like the Cincinnati Chronicle, contrasted with the struggling Toledo Truth Teller, underscores the show's commentary on the varied economic realities within American journalism. It allows for exploration of different professional challenges and ambitions within the same industry, providing a richer context for the show's themes.
What's Next?
The season finale of 'The Paper' leaves Mare at a crossroads, weighing her decision to return to the Toledo Truth Teller or remain at the Cincinnati Chronicle. This unresolved plot point suggests that the Cincinnati Chronicle, and by extension the Los Angeles Times' setting, could continue to play a significant role if the show is renewed for a third season. The creators have indicated that Mare's decision is not an easy one, implying further exploration of her professional and personal journey in a new environment. Should the show be renewed, it could potentially revisit the Los Angeles Times' location or continue to draw inspiration from its aesthetic to depict the Cincinnati newsroom. The ongoing narrative will likely delve deeper into the challenges faced by journalists in different newsroom environments, continuing the show's satirical commentary on the state of American journalism.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision to film 'The Paper' at the Los Angeles Times headquarters subtly reflects broader trends in the media industry, where traditional news organizations are increasingly adapting to new roles, including serving as backdrops for entertainment. This collaboration can offer a unique form of public engagement for news outlets, showcasing their physical spaces and the environment in which journalism is produced, even if in a fictionalized context. It also highlights the aesthetic appeal and functional design of modern newsrooms, which are often designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. From a storytelling perspective, using a real newsroom adds a layer of verisimilitude that can enhance the audience's immersion and understanding of the journalistic profession, even within a comedic framework. This approach also underscores the ongoing dialogue between news and entertainment, where each can influence and reflect the other in contemporary culture.
