Universal Uclick Explores Crossword Puzzle Allegations

Monday, March 7, 2016

Timothy Parker has edited thousands of puzzles for Universal over many years, and we have high regard for his work. So we are naturally very concerned by the recent story by FiveThirtyEight.com that puzzles he edited contained many similarities to puzzles edited by others.

We are taking the allegations very seriously, and will explore them thoroughly and quickly. Until then, Tim has agreed to temporarily step back from any editorial role for both USA TODAY and Universal Crosswords. In the meantime, we are well prepared to immediately provide our customers crossword puzzles from a different source. We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this situation may have caused our clients and their readers.

Universal Uclick (UU) is the largest content syndicate in the world and leading digital entertainment provider of humor, comic strips, political cartoons, puzzles, columns and other content for print, Web and mobile devices. For additional information, please visit universaluclick.com.

Contact:  Susan Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer

Susan.johnson@amuniversal.com; 816-581-7645