FIRST CUTS: The meaning of Al Sharpton’s possible cable news stint; Layoffs hit L.A. Times

Joe Pompeo
·Media Reporter

Our list of stories that should be on your morning media menu:

• "The possible transition for [Al] Sharpton--from political influencer to television talent--highlights the complex relationships that can arise when cable news channels employ activists who take sides instead of journalists who don't," writes Brian Stelter. (New York Times)

• "James O'Keefe's greatest hits." (New York Times Magazine)

• Layoff at the Los Angeles Times. (LA Observed)

• Joao Silva, the New York Times photojournalist who lost his legs in Afghanistan, has a page one photo in today's paper. (NYT/Lens)

• The 50 fanciest words nytimes.com users look up online. (NYT/After Deadline)