Multimedia President James Lynagh Resigns

Multimedia Inc. announced the sudden resignation of James T. Lynagh as president and chief operating officer. No successor was named, but Multimedia Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Walter H. Bartlett will assume the president’s title.

Lynagh, 56, who was named to the president’s post only nine months ago, told The Times that he did not want to make a long-term commitment to Multimedia Inc. as would have been expected if he were to become chief executive upon Bartlett’s retirement in a few years.

“If I wasn’t going to stay nine more years, then I best get out of the way,” he said. “There are other things I’d like to do with my life.” He will remain a company consultant for at least 15 months.

Lynagh, a highly regarded television executive, headed Multimedia’s TV stations division until being named president of the corporation late last year.