Monday, November 03, 2008

Monday | Nov. 3 | Got news, or a question?

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61 comments:

  1. Hello, there. What's new?

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  2. Where are you that is Monday already? I'm on EST and it is 10:17

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  3. This is a post-dated post!

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  4. It's a prerun! :)

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  5. If anybody knows how many lay offs in N.J. group ?.

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  6. Comment about Asheville paper going up in price and the reason the ad announcing the price hike was hidden in the paper where it would be hard to see.

    "Quote"

    A couple of things here. The reason for this ad being hidden in the paper is simple. Lets get the regulars to the rack and when they try to get the paper they will have to fumble for an extra quarter. Two things might happen. One, they might find the extra change and get the paper. Two, they might scream a few expletives and grab a FREE Asheville Mountain Xpress.

    Remember the paper will not only be going up in price but will also be shrinking and losing sections. (LESS VALUE) This is allegedly happening at all Gannett papers
    You know what is silly, is the sections that most of you like and the whole reason you buy the paper in the first place are allegedly going to be eliminated.

    Sounds like Gannett has a great plan for the future of their newspaper. LOL

    "Unquote"

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  7. Have you held a shrunk paper in your hands yet - not a prototype, a whole paper. It is startling. It looks like a penny saver. We haven't switched yet but will right after hiking up the price and then shrinking the newshole by 10 percent (which does not include the width reduction!) My Monday paper wouldn't make a sound when it hits the front door, it's so thin. I really wish they would test market giving the M-F papers away, bulking them back up into something real, selling a weekend paper, and charging for certain things online that you can't get elsewhere. Try it in one market. What do any of us have to lose at this point? It's too easy now for households reviewing their budgets to say "Heck, I'll just buy it once in a while'' and cancel.

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  8. Asheville single-copy goes up 50% to 75 cents in racks standing side-by-side with The Charlotte Observer (50 cents). There are 4 papers in the ACT rack at 7:45 am (all that were delivered, not a rush on sales). Is this attempted suicide, or what?

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  9. I don't feel Gannett really cares about anything but the big papers in big cities. Asheville has so much competition that moved in the last five years that there is no way they could catch up. Adverting dropped the ball on everything. The management would allegedly not listen to good ideas instead they would come up with their own and take it to the Ad Director and then through a pep rally with out even brain storming the idea with other departments. Forget voicing your opinion, they don't want to hear it.

    So here is mine: Maybe if they hired people with real advertising experience from outside the industry. I don't mean a retail or classified manager with great sales numbers. They can't cut it. They don't know a thing about real advertising. Maybe that is why big companies hire agencies? 99% of Advertising Directors come from a sales background which is not the same as an Advertising Background. It makes a huge difference.

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  10. The Journal News in Westchester raised the price of a single copy to 75 cents. I wouldn't have noticed but I witness a small argument between a costumer and a deli worked over the price. It ended with the costumer buying the Daily News for 50 cents instead.

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  11. Gannett posted six jobs today for positions in the publishing division. That makes 11 posted in two days.

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  12. The Asheville notice was in there three days in three different sections. Do you want a full page, full color ad? And Mountain Xpress has the writing of children at typewriters, it should be free.

    And the Charlotte Observer? They'll be 75 cents soon and there are about 5 locations in town to buy it. Keep your asinine comments to your little Ashevegas blog.

    -tft

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  13. From Cincinnati's publisher Friday:


    TO: Enquirer Media Employees
    FR: Margaret Buchanan


    I've been talking with employees about Bob Dickey's letter, and a few of you have raised some very good questions. I wanted to take the time to answer as best I can.

    The two main questions pertain to timing – when will this all take place – and the number of positions to be eliminated.

    On the timing question, my management team has been working (and continues work) on how we will achieve the reductions that we've been asked to make. They have been asked to submit their ideas to me next week. In the days following, I will work with Finance and Human Resources to assess those ideas from a non-payroll and payroll standpoint, respectively.

    Then there will be a series of review processes that involve Interstate Group HR and folks at Gannett corporate offices. Our plan is due to them by Nov. 14. Bob wrote that the reductions will take place "by the first week of December." I would like to give you a more definite date, but the exact timing depends largely on Gannett.

    As we get closer to announcing the staff reductions, we will have a better sense of how we plan to notify affected employees. Our goal is to ensure that even during this difficult time, our employees are treated with dignity and respect.

    As to the number of employees affected, it is difficult to gauge. Essentially, we've been given a dollar amount to reduce expenses. So depending on the options we're now reviewing, the number of affected employees is going to vary. Of course, I am hoping for the fewest possible.


    I have set up three employee meetings next week to answer any questions you have about the direction of our business or the economy. I'm not likely to have any more information about the timing and the number of reductions, but I can certainly talk about other things on your mind. Here is the meeting information:



    When and where: 30-minute sessions at the following times and places:



    1) Monday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. in the 20th floor conference center

    2) Monday, Nov. 3, 4:30 p.m. in the 20th floor conference center

    3) Tuesday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. in the publisher's conference room


    Who: Any employee who would like to attend


    What: A chance for me to share what I know about the reduction in force and to take any questions that you have.


    I do not have all the answers. So if you have a question I can't immediately answer, I will research it and find the answer for you.

    There's no doubt this is a stressful time. My hope is that by having these conversations, it will help reduce some of that stress and in turn allow us to focus on why we come to work each day – to enjoy the good and meaningful work that is so important to the communities we serve.

    I appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings.



    Margaret

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  14. I work at the Westchester paper and didn't know anything about the price increase. I guess they didn't think it was important enough to tell us or our customers.

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  15. Wow. That's worded so very nicely. I'm impressed.

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  16. Boy, from that memo, sounds like Cinci's got a straight shooter in charge.

    That's what I hear from my directors and publisher friends too - good for her to lay it out to staff.

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  17. Ah, not exactly. Treating employees with dignity and respect is not one of Buchanan’s better skills. Asking her questions or telling her things that she doesn’t want to hear isn’t one of them either.

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  18. 10:26

    Know body commented on your ability to do your job.

    Why are you so defensive? If all you do is get upset every time somebody voices an opinion that is just scary.

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  19. Yeah, I'm not so sure about Bucky. Very polished woman, but a little bereft of people skills. Someone at that level should be expected to write a pretty memo...walking the walk is a different thing.

    Here's one: What would happen if McDonald's suddenly made a Big Mac combo into a one patty - two bun sandwich, cut your fries in half and then raised the price from $3.99 to $6.00? Does the board of directors at GCI not see that the management of this company is doing the exact opposite of what most consider common sense? Take faltering content, thinning ad pages, shrink it even more, then raise the price? Just like raising taxes in a recession.

    Gannett is truly living -- as Seinfeld put it -- in bizzaro world...

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  20. How is a downsized paper with half the content ever gonna soak up the oil on my garage floor?

    I guess I will have to cancel my subscription and buy some cat litter.

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  21. Macy's announced they will pull all magazine spending in first half of 2009. Money will be invested into newspapers, TV, and online.
    We will see more of this as advertisers lean toward a more hard hitting retail push. let's hope.

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  22. Why on earth would they advertise in the paper still.
    Macy's still struggles with there age brackets. Are they only going after baby boomers that still enjoy a cup of morning coffee while reading the newspaper.

    If they really want to take charge they need to go all digital.

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  23. Wow. Good news for a change. Another reason not to kill those special sections and Lifestyle sections for women.

    PS. I love sports sections, too, for the record.

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  24. Memos like Cincy's goes a long way in helping out the mood. All our publisher did is forward Dickey's memo to us. There has been no other word from him about the whole situation. No "see me if you have questions." No offer of meetings.

    I get all my questions answered from this blog. If only there was a non-paypal way to donate to it...(hint hint)

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  25. Scripps revamping commissions, taking other actions to increase web sales:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/business/media/03adcol.html?ref=business

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  26. Our publisher forward Dicky's memo also.

    He did ask for suggestions on cutting costs.

    I have 4 suggestions that would save $100k-$200k per year without staff reductions or cutting the product.
    Am I going to share? No, as it not save someone's job. Just make the publisher look good with the extra savings.

    I hate thinking this way.

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  27. From Cincinnati's publisher Friday:

    The letter to employees to employees about staff reductions. Now that is a stand up publisher.

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  28. It was Lou Grant who first observed that the newspaper Lifestyle sections were the old-fashioned Women's page. True on that TV show, true now. Sports for male readers.

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  29. I've got an idea that could save $79 million, but I ain't sharing it with nobody!

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  30. Too late on saving that $79 million... It's in their contracts. :(

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  31. 11:35 -- Your McDonald's comparison is ideal.

    It's understandable when some companies cut staff during hard times. A construction company, for example, might let people go if they don't have enough work for the entire crew.

    Presumably, however, they do not cut staff to the point that their buildings no longer stand. In other words, the good companies keep the staff required to do quality work on the projects they still have.

    Gannett is essentially cutting to the point where its products are laughable, yet preparing to charge more for them. The more things that are cut from a newspaper -- lifestyle sections, columnists, etc. -- the more they reveal the nightly television news. And the nightly TV news is completely free and comes with nifty visuals.

    To top things off, people NEED houses. They don't NEED a newspaper. So, it's much easier to stop taking a lousy paper than to stop living in houses. Charging more for an inferior product doesn't make much sense in any economy, but it's absolutely ludicrous right now.

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  32. 10:52--Why would the Management at the Journal News tell you or the customer about the price increase ? They know what they're doing---they have already made circulation fade from 122,000/day to 99,000/day.

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  33. Im hearing layoffs at the Asbury Park Press Circulation dept. will be taking the big hit.Anyone else have any more information to add ?

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  34. I could see Gannett puting ad reps on straight commision like they do at clear channel.

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  35. Buchanan is certainly capable of putting on a good show, but those who know her best would prefer not to have to deal with her and her near-tyrannical style.

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  36. Mark Potts, the Recovering Journalist, predicts large TV ad drops once the election is over in "Advertising, The Day After."

    "It's hard to describe the torrent of campaign ads we've seen in the past few weeks on local TV (and local cable systems). There are several an hour, especially during high-rated (and lucrative) shows like the local news.

    So what happens Wednesday? This campaign advertising blitz has arguably filled in for the usual advertising that's dropped off in the past few weeks because of the rattled economy. Post-election, who fills those 30-second slots? Many of the TV stations' usual advertisers are reeling. Banks? They've been socked. Car dealers? Forget it. Retailers? Ouch. Realtors? Nope.
    "

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  37. I really don't understand why this company doesn't do its staff reductions in a dignified way and first look for VOLUNTARY separations, and offer everyone at every property the same severance deal in terms of weeks of pay and health coverage. Consistency with an attempt at compassion. That's what decent companies do.

    Wouldn't it be right to find out how many employees with several years experience, and therefore more attractive severance incentive, might see the handwriting on the wall and take the deal? Higher salaries lost means fewer jobs cut to reach the 10 percent payroll reduction.

    On the flip side, a classless company lets the staff reduction fiasco run amok by letting each property screw its workers however well it pleases. Most won't give those who might get a big severance package the option. The ideal target is a high-paid worker with few years in Gannett, because that person doesn't cost as much in severance, yet takes a big number off the payroll.

    So which way is it going to be? With the holidays coming up, here's hoping Scrooge softens up somewhere between the Ghost of Print's Glorious Past and the Ghost of Digital's Fickle Future and cuts the Cratchetts under their corporate whip one last break.

    Please look for volunteers first, before you fire and destroy helpless victims on the threshold of the holiday season.

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  38. FYI Westchester commenters: the price increase was included in the Weekly Buzz on 10/24. Sunday edition and home delivery are not changing, only the Monday-Saturday newsstands.

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  39. What division is Army Times in? Are those Gannett employees?

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  40. To TFT @ 10:26
    Maybe you should park your bike, buy a gallon of gas and venture outside the Trustfarian Realm of downtown Asheville: The Observer is readily available, and infinitely more complete. Example: Monday's sports section had the equivalent of 10 open pages, not to mention national, state and metro news, and editorials that actually take a position. That, my friend, is worth 75 cents.

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  41. 3:14 pm: According to the following Corporate page, it's part of the newspaper division -- U.S. Community Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/5h7c4m

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  42. Noticed Army Times has an editor opening posted, and there's no minimum educational requirements given in the posting. Do other sites require a certain educational level for editors, anyone know?

    Also, has Army Times been hit by any of the layoffs/buyouts/job eliminations?

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  43. I would be happy to give up my "GOOD BOY" time at my PAPer if it would help save a job or 2

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  44. To Anon at 4:08; The Observer is "readily available" at a whopping 20 vending machines and they have backed out of this area since the beginning of the year. If you want Charlotte's news go ahead or better yet move back. That paper is still a rag from when KR owned it. I would rather read your Mountain Xpress than that drivel.

    tft

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  45. We just got this in email:

    Gannett Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Craig Dubow today announced that he will take a voluntary $200,000 (17%) salary reduction beginning November 1 and continuing through 2009. Also, all company and divisional officers will have their salaries frozen for 2009. "All Gannett employees are making deep sacrifices for their company," said Dubow. "I have great empathy for those employees and their families who have lost their jobs. I also recognize that our employees are working harder and harder to produce results in a challenging business environment. But I firmly believe the steps we are taking now are necessary and will serve as the foundation for our future success. I want to thank all our employees for their patience and loyalty during these difficult times." Gannett Presiding Director Karen Hastie Williams said: "We commend Craig for his leadership in taking this step. The Board is well aware that the company and the media industry generally are experiencing difficult times. The Board believes that the company's strategic plan has set the right course given the secular and cyclical challenges the company faces. The Board continues to support Craig and his management team and their efforts to lead Gannett into the future."

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  46. Hooray, but why 17 percent? Is that the size of the cuts Craig Dubow is seeking across GCI? If so, there is a healthy whack yet to come out of USAT. I agree with the speculation here recently they are waiting for the elections to be over to announce what is going to happen at USAT. It won't be pretty.

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  47. From Fading to Black, "BBC's spread threatens survival of local newspapers"

    "Just as regional newspapers struggle with a difficult advertising climate, another threat looms on the horizon which could sever a vital lifeline for the future of regional newspapers such as the Birmingham Post.

    The BBC intends to spend £68 million on online news and sport services with a network of 65 local news, video sites, creating in effect 65 local online newspapers.
    "

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  48. Good for management for taking the hit as well.

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  49. Anon@11:58A: The Giants are the NFL team for Central New Jersey, yet the C-N and HNT have given more space to the Jets the last 2 weeks. Both papers are clueless about college football as well.

    That circulation decline for the C-N is deserved.

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  50. Is there still a Circulation department at the Asbury Park Press? Wasn't that one of the first departments to be outsourced?

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  51. Bloodbath at media companies.
    Roadale 10% job cuts announced.
    Conde Nast lays offs hundreds.
    Time Inc lays off 600 + in massive restructuring.
    Seattle Times announces 10% cuts.
    Chicago Trib DC Bureau hit.

    The print business was already suffering and now this recession just accelerates it.

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  52. To 8:16pm

    Yeah, right, the NFL Giants is the team for Central Jersey...sez who? You? New Jersey football fans are fairly well divided over the Giants, Jets and Philly Eagles. Try again!

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  53. Anon@8:44P: The C-N and HNT counties are Giants strongholds -- in fact, several former Giants players live in the C-N area. The Jets were a non-factor until they traded for Brett Favre.

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  54. What's next? Will consultant-for-life/former CFO Larry Miller give up part of his $600,000 annual salary he's now getting since leaving in 2004? I can see he must be providing Gracia lots of good advice.

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  55. Jim,
    Where do you get your money from? Do you have a real job?

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  56. So....Dubow suppose to be a saint because he took a pay cut the size of a pin head (in respect to his bloated $1 million-plus paycheck)?

    Excuse me if this adds insult to injury to all the peons out there who were laid off this year.

    All this means for him is that he can't buy himself that new Ferrari he's been wanting for Christmas.

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  57. anthrax scare at the Indianapolis Star?! Any details?

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  58. 2:15 p.m. --
    well-said! I know several where I work who would take a voluntary option right now. the timing of this leaves me with a very bad taste in my mouth, and so far, I already have a handful of resumes out. I do believe that it might be time to jump ship, regardless of the 10%.

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  59. I wonder how many of those whose jobs are threatened turned down he chance to unionize somewhere along the line. At least you would have layoffs by seniority and the long-time employees would not have bullseyes on their backsides.

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  60. This is in response to Anonymous at 9:05 pm 11/3/08 regarding Larry Miller. Larry Miller has not been a consultant to Gannett since last year. He no longer receives any salary or consulting fee and hasn't since last year. He tried to help present management while he was a consultant and had his recommendations been taken the company would not be in the position it is in now.

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  61. I'm not ready to jump ship yet, unless they make me. The job oppurtunities out there are very slim.

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Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."

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