Hopefully the mounting pressure to release the tape, and the refusal to do so by the LA Times will cause people to really wonder what on earth is being kept from them. This could bring about the same result as actually hearing the tape.
That's what's commonly called a "win-win" situation.
It may actually be better if the tape isn't released (though I would DEARLY love to hear it or see a transcript) - because this is putting the stake into the (black) heart of the press & media. Hannity has said it, 2008's election has marked the death of the media - not releasing that tape will clinch it.
BTW, I hope that the LA Slimes loses at least 100,000 subscribers - I wish I subscribed, just so I could cancel.