Chris Kimball to leave America’s Test Kitchen after contract dispute:
"‘Since its inception, Chris has been an important component of America’s Test Kitchen, as the co-founder of the business,’ said David Nussbaum, the company’s chief executive, in a statement. ‘We made every effort to offer Chris a reasonable contract that reflected his significant contributions to the company and are disappointed that we could not reach agreement.’"
Big mistake by the new leadership of Boston Common Press. Chris Kimball is the face and personality of ATK and its driving force. This is like John Scully forcing Steve Jobs out of Apple in the 1980s. It is Kimball's homespun, stolid Vermonter style that underpins everything they do from the magazines to the TV shows to the radio show. I'm saddened by this, but hopeful Chris can make something new that will be the equal of what he did at ATK.
Contract negotiations? Sounds like they wanted to cut his contract or just move him out. Sounds like Nussbaum is the one that should go. Also, it sounds personal to me. Jack Bishop, chief creative executive; interesting.
At any rate, I really do like Bridget and Julia, but they need someone to “play” off of. They tried before of just having Bridget or Julia do something without Kimble. It was OK, but ultimately it was off. They need a foil and Kimble is that foil. Essentially, he is “us” standing there and having them teach “us” these dishes. That is what works.