You know the industry is hurting when one of the few major newspapers to see circulation gains nonetheless resorts to slashing 9% of its newsroom positions. But that's exactly what happened at USA Today early this afternoon, when the top brass announced the paper is seeking to buy out 45 editorial workers."It's unfortunate that we have to take these steps, particularly when our newspaper circulation is growing and USATODAY.com has been named the top news website in the country by the Online News Association,'' top editor Ken Paulson told employees in a memo. "Unfortunately, revenue has not kept pace and we're now facing the same cutbacks that so many other news organizations have already experienced."
I couldn't put it better than this comment on Romenesko's blog: "So let me make sure I understand this: Circulation is down, jobs are lost; circulation goes up -- as well as web hits -- and jobs are lost. Is it any wonder that people toiling in this profession have little reason to be positive?"
Or as one Gannett Blog commenter wrote moments ago: "Happy holidays, huh?"
USA Today employees: Please share details about what happens next. How will this change news coverage? E-mail Gannett Blog, or leave a note in the comments section, below.
[Image: Today's edition of USA Today, Newseum]
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