Parsing the WSJ announcement

Jack Flack, who writes a blog on Conde Nast Portfolio about the PR spin efforts of companies, does a great job of “interpreting” press releases and other announcements.

Here’s part of his interpretation of the announcement Tuesday evening that The Wall Street Journal has named Robert Thomson as its new managing editor, replacing Marcus Brauchli, who resigned last month:

News Corp: Mr. Thomson’s appointment follows the resignation as managing editor of Marcus Brauchli.

Translation: We still find it cute that staffers think he should have “taken a stand.” It would have lasted an entire news cycle.

News Corp: Mr. Brauchli resigned after a meeting with Dow Jones executives.

Translation: It was just as much fun as Fredo’s boat-ride.

News Corp: Referring to the circumstances of Mr. Brauchli’s resignation, Mr. Hinton said: “The Company believes it was acting in accordance with the agreement and had no intention of subverting the role of the Special Committee.

Translation: Forgiveness is so much more efficient than permission.

Read more here.