Thursday, December 04, 2008
Part 3 | Thurs. | Dec. 4 | Got news, a question?
Can't find the right spot for your comment? Post it here, in this open forum. Real Time Comments: parked here, 24/7. (Parts 1 and 2.)
79 comments:
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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ReplyDeleteAnyone know how many online people were let go? Directors and managers? I saw the one in Asheville...
ReplyDeleteI was laid off in Lansing yesterday and will miss my colleagues dearly. To everyone else who was canned - I'm so sorry. And to those left behind - I'm even sorrier. You're left with an incompetent boob of an EE in the information center, and a witch of an AD in advertising. My advice is to get out as soon as you can - before the next round begins or the whole production is shut down.
ReplyDeleteI got laid off Tuesday and, say what you will about Gannett and our individual papers, but I've never felt such a surge of compassion and support as I did when I started packing up the few personal items I'd been able to scatter across my desks during my short time in Cherry Hill.
ReplyDeletePeople whose names I still don't know were there with hugs and encouragement; while the English language is ill-equipped to express my gratitude to the dozen-or-so coworkers who saw me off (and thank you, Kevin, for refusing to let me walk out of that building alone), I think you who remain are the ones who need to be cheered on.
I left C-P on the best terms possible, and I'm actually kind of relieved I got laid off before I saw the aftermath. I honestly loved what I did (even when it was someone else's job), and I have my former coworkers to thank for making my short Gannett career worth the time and effort I put into it.
I'm am, however, rather envious of you veterans who remember what print journalism used to be. Many of us twentysomethings only know what its death rattle sounds like, and its heartbreaking when you sincerely love being a journalist.
My sympathies for my fellow Gannett causalities (I know a lot of your have much more to lose than I do, and my thoughts are with you, anonymous fallen comrades); my best wishes for those who remain. It certainly sounds like you all are going to need every bit of luck you can get.
PS: Anyone know if Leo at East Brunswick was spared? We worked for our college newspaper, and he is a fantastic journalist and even better person.
mountain home - zero laid off this round.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't look like we'll see drastic cuts in Tucson, as there were a few buyouts and lot of open positions available to be eliminated. But they've been cutting for some time here; a receptionist here, a sales assistant there, leave a position open here and there. I'd estimate about 40% of the cubicles here were empty before the layoffs. So we just saw our cuts ahead of time. We've been hearing today that they cut 3 in finance, one in marketing, 3 in the newsroom, and hours cut and salaries frozen in the newsroom.
ReplyDeleteLooks like 1/2 of the so called APP-ADS eye candy is gone,,What a Shame....NOTTTTT
ReplyDeleteIt was comforting to see those of us spared at the APP in Neptune will have a special treat next week. That's when the guy who sits in the EE's office (not sure of his name - he's only been here 2 months) is throwin' a holiday party featuring his "special" dessert.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to speak for my APP brethren, but boy I can't wait for that party. Forego the XMAS bonuses for some of Mr. Fantasy Football's famous shoo-fly pie.
I'm reading through all the East Brunswick/Bridgewater posts (and the East Brunswick vs. Bridgewater posts) and do not understand the abuse of company cars. They are signed out(or in) when an employee leaves(or returns to) the building, right?
ReplyDeleteHello everyone out there! This is truly amazing! I work for the Detroit Media Partnership--distributing company for the News & Free Press. I've heard rumors from individuals about layoffs and downsizing--but with no confirmation of numbers/departments!
ReplyDeleteAn inside source said Detroit's day is tomorrow--December 5.
--Does anybody have an information on what we're looking at? First our auto industry, now this--the silent killer. The majority of us haven't even heard anything about this, let alone any other states!
--I'll do my best to get the word out early tomorrow but would totally appreciate some feedback about Detroit.
--Thank you very much,
--a very dedicated employee...
Greenville HR calls in wrong employee to be axed. During info session HR lady discovers she's talking with an employee with the same last name (but wrong first name)as the employee that was to be let go. The intended target employee was eventually let go. Seeking more details. Will HR lady get raise at next review???
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_120408_news_salem_statesman_layoffs.2f070f2b.html
ReplyDeleteSo the Oregon TV folks are covering the Statesman Journal lay off, but the SJ has run nothing since the announcement last month.
The SJ has a front page story about a local building supply store going out of business, but then says nothing about its own economic problems... love the double standard. So glad I am out of Gannett.
Who was the photog/photo editor let go in L'ville, C.S. or P.S.? Used to work with them there - both just first-rate talents. What idiot would think them expendable?
ReplyDeleteJust an outsider here from a North Jersey cometitor sending my best wishes to all. A lot of dedicated people are being tossed aside for younger and cheaper. I understand this only because I'm (probably) younger and (definately) cheaper in my company and area of production. Reading some of the first-hand accounts from you all and the news items from Jim puts life in perspective. My Bachelors is in communications, but here I am in production laying out community papers that not many people pick up in their driveways, with some of the same workplace complaints you all have with your offices (and a few geniune good people as well). I'm considering going back to school for something else. It's never too late for anyone, but this is not a great time to be going back to school.
ReplyDeleteI have a former coworker who, last I spoke, worked for the Daily Record in Morristown. I will have to check in with him and see where he is at now.
Hold your heads high, folks.
i was sad to hear that Jack D and Bill H in output and plateroom at APP were let go. Jack was a great boss and a real asset and to let go of a guy who would work all hours any day of the week and stand up for is guys is a true shame.remember they can take your jobs but they cannot take your dignity.
ReplyDeleteIn Industry news, Scripps has put the Rocky Mountain News up for sale. Not sure who is brave enough to buy it right now, though.
ReplyDeleteLayoffs done at USA Today. Now I can get back to work doing a job I like.
ReplyDeleteJim, I know people find this blog a good place to vent but its frankly ill-informed.
I'll stop by again in a few months.
Can you imagine if the Big Three car makers had a blog. Gannet blog would sound like strawberry pie compared to those employees.
ReplyDeleteTo 6:33:
ReplyDeleteI don't think the circus would trust Lansing's EE to even drive or sit in the clown car. Not sure if the circus would hire him when he gets his walking papers -- and he'll eventually get them. Maybe he could get a job playing the piano at one of those airport cocktail bars. The newsroom cuts in Lansing were inane, lacked any respect for business judgment and WILL have a direct impact on revenue. It wasn't exactly a genius move. But, he isn't exactly rocket scientist material, either. When you have to ask your reporters for help with sending a text message, perhaps it's time to face the facts that you don't get technology and would better serve the public interest by taking a job in a library.
20,000 more people laid off in America today. This is hardly a Gannett issue.
ReplyDelete6:59, check out the centerpiece on today's HNT front page.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand people who visit here and complain.
ReplyDeletePlease I mean this is in the nicest, most sincere way possible but if you don't like the TV show that's on, change the channel.
signed,
loyal and very appreciative fan of Jim's and former Kool-aid drinker.
Amen to that comment form doglover...for pete's sake....it is so helpful to know others are out there and to know what is happening when no one else wants to inform us!
ReplyDeleteI dont drink the kool aid and I dont come here often. I just wish it were a richer experience than just a bunch of complaining. From an ex-journalist I would expect a little more reporting and less "dumping with no real information".
ReplyDeleteDear Doglover,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure you were are taling to but let me address your comments: I come here when something big is happening for information and frankly, there is no reliable reporting or information. All I can read as I quickly browse the comment sis complaining. I expect more from a blog by a journalist.
That is a valid complaint.
Here is a journalism classic.
ReplyDeleteToday in Montgomery, a reporter who survived the layoff got canned because he simply made up a couple of people to quote for a story.
Sad part about it was the co-worker who sat next to him lost job in layoffs.
Go figure
Clearly Gannett is walking over dollars to pick up oennies, how is it that middle managers are still sitting pretty in their offices of shuffling papers?
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of Big 3 blogs, and if you think any of the automotives are 1/8 as bad as Gannett, some of us in Detroit can school ya.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteHope you get this. thanks for the long hours these days. I appreciate you weeding out some posts that are not what we need to be reading in these sorrowful times. Please look at this tv report of the Springfield layoffs
http://www.ky3.com/home/video/35568824.html
Can you embed the link.
Hey, if I ever get to SF I owe you lunch or if you are ever in Springfield it is on me.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thanks for all you do. Hope you get this local tv report on our layoffs. Can you embed?
http://www.ky3.com/home/video/35568824.html
Sent this once but I dod not know if it went through.
Cincinnati: Sept Layoff 60 ppl
ReplyDeleteDecember Layoff 45 ppl
But, they shutting down a local community paper - which those few numbers are not included in this. Also, there has been talk that the telemarketing division is going next.
8:11 & 8:42 - Care to set the record straight? If there's misinformation on this blog, and you can correct it, please do.
ReplyDeletewe heard in our office they might do more layoffs in feb has anyone else heard that?
ReplyDeleteViacom just announced layoffs of 7% of workforce or about 850 jobs. Looks like the young are in jeopardy as much as old folks....Viacom's darling MTV is getting hit hard.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't get hit as hard at our paper this time but that's only because we had several people who quit and others who took "voluntary" layoffs. But those who were cut were hardworking people (some who had been here for years) and their expertise will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteAnd I get worried because this may not be the end of it.
There's no way to do quality work and concentrate on the job at hand when you're wondering if HR will call you in for "the talk."
I'm personally turning into a nervous wreck over this because I'm just waiting to see when the hammer will fall on me.
9:21 Can you give a breakdown by department where the people that were layed off worked in both of these layoffs?
ReplyDeleteAre most of these layoffs immediate? Fort Myers has those laid off working for a couple more weeks from what I understand.
ReplyDeleteQuick question: Does anyone believe Gannett will eventually close down or sell off any of its newspaper holdings?
ReplyDeleteI'm with the Alexandria Town Talk, a small daily with no print competition and the broadcast competitors are lousy at best.
Honestly, if anyone else is cut in the newsroom, the only option is to shut everything down.
AT&T announced 12,000 layoffs. 12,000! This job whacking sees no sign of easing up in Corporate America. Why does this matter to gannett peopel? Because we are not alone. Layoffs is large quantities are being felt by every company in the U.S. Depressing.
ReplyDeleteNBC News announced layoffs today. Is there any word on Gannett broadcast operations? I know the older workers (55+) with 10 years experience all got letters for the voluntary severance and had to make their decisions by December 1. Are the results known yet or have any TV stations started the layoffs too?
ReplyDelete6:50, if by Christmas bonus you mean those swell APP sweatshirts we received, I really don't mind going without.
ReplyDeleteUSAToday.com has some good reporting on the economic lay offs throughout the U.S. Most CEOs , today's paper said, plan layoffs in the next 6 months.
ReplyDeleteUggh.....put your money n the bank and cut back. be glad you have a job.
Misinformation correction number one: it is bogus to confuse readers of the blog with profit numbers from 2007 when layoffs are from 2008 where we have a dismal economy.
ReplyDeleteJust flat out misleading and irresponsible from a guy who was a 20 year journalist. Sorry to be harsh but Jim, be straight man.
Claims about inaccuracies in the blog are just corporate a--holes trying to discredit it. Go Jim!
ReplyDeleteAlso, of course the Big 3 are not 1/8 as bad as Gannett. They've got unions!!! If ever there were a time for union organizing in newsrooms, this would be it.
To the 8:11 & 8:42 "journalist":
ReplyDeletePlease set the record straight or elaborate on all the "misinformation" on here. Unless you come to the game with specifics...please, go away.
Judging by your childish hit & run posts, I would say you are true-blue 20-year Gannetteer.
What is up with Detroit? They made a huge investment of state-of-the-art presses in a new $177 million printing facility a few years back. Now there going digital? Gannett bought up all these community papers. I just don't understand. What is the plan???
ReplyDeleteI saw a reader comment on the Hattiesburg American website that was a cut and paste of the publisher memo right off of this blog, and put back onto their website. What comes around, must really go around.
ReplyDeleteWho is the photographer/photo editor in Louisville that was laid off today?
ReplyDeleteAPP ADS lost a huge amount of it's staff. Good people who worked their tails off and who really cared that sales could meet their clients wishes. So the next time anyone wants to coin us as "Idiots" remember we are the "Idiots" who design the ads with vague instructions, after deadline and ultimately help sales make their budget. There's always an outsourced ad! Good luck! No designers, no ads....
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the folks "spared" in Lansing. I'm not sure the term fits. It seems like it would have been better to get cut. The current environment is harsher than the outside world. To all who remain, think about where you are.
ReplyDelete9:29 - I don't have the full detail on each department. All I do know is that many very hard-working people were let go and some of the most lazy incompetent people remain. I sit back relaxing this evening to the smell of some homemade soup...thinking they are going to have some tough times ahead trying to figure out how to do the job of the people they let go. Because I know some people who left can not be replaced. They were some of the most stand up great people I know.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who have a finance department still entact...be ready...because they are outsourcing it along with billing. Oh' and if your not part of the COE...Center of Excellence...you will be. By the way COE - a total joke - the worst customer service any person should expect and I don't know many that will disagree.
Just as the IT and Circulation departments have been consolidated into other departments - getting rid of 2 VP's...Other department VP's should be on the lookout - because this is going to continue. So, for that VP that was marking those names to get rid of people...You may be on your publisher's next list...
Good luck to everyone - with the holidays and the little economic issues going on - it is going to be a tough one.
Happy Holidays and I hope that everyone can get beyond this at least for a short time to remember the good in life and try and find good in others.
I put part of the blame for the newspaper industry's troubles on Newspaper (Dis)Services of America. They hammer and hammer for rate concessions, then cut the daylights out of the preprint plan. Subscribers get mad they're not receiving ads for Company A in their paper, therefore seeing less value in the product so they cancel. Then there are fewer subscribers for the remaining print customers to buy.
ReplyDeleteThen we get a letter from NSA on behalf of a big retailer asking for further rate reductions, blaming it on the "circulation and general decline in the newspaper industry."
NSA complains about problems that they caused. And WE are all paying the price.
Yeah, the APP Sweatshirts were a big hit. This year we'll probably all get Observer sweatshirts.
ReplyDeleteFolks, there's something funny going on in Cincinnati. Staff members still don't know who's been laid off. At the same time, a reporter in the Northern Kentucky office resigned this week. The publisher says she plans TO HIRE a reporter to take his place. How can a Gannett property hire anyone right now? What about the ***CRISIS****?
ReplyDelete> Who is the photographer/photo editor in Louisville that was laid off today?
ReplyDeleteCindy Stuckey
10:06,
ReplyDeleteYes the Big 3 has unions, and so do the Detroit newspapers. Hmmm...
I was laid off from USA Today and experienced many of the same feelings/expressions of caring from my colleagues that 6:35 did in Cherry Hill. I will be forever grateful for that. And just a gentle word of advice for those left behind... if you feel certain things for a coworker, tell them while they are still there. It might make a real difference in the newsroom environment.
ReplyDelete8:11
ReplyDeleteThis is the way I read this blog -- I take it for what it is. Written 99 percent anonymously, the comments reflect sadness for seeing our industry die, venting for the same reason and others -- and rumors.
Yes rumors, something I know I'd never let get into print. But in this venue (hello, it's 2008) it is what it is and I think it has its place. And I think it works.
Every profession has this site's equal, some have numerous sites, though every industry might not be going through what we are right now.
It's a dark day for us journalists -- but in a way, we are breaking ground with Jim right now, as far as I see it.
Again, Jim keep up the good work. I do appreciate your long hours. And to all readers/commentors, I appreciate your time as well.
Anon 10:06 -- you hit the nail on the head. I am a former TNG activist who moved to a non-union town and tried twice to organize the newsroom. Folks were scared to death. I got a good corporate job and the friends I left behind are languishing.
ReplyDeleteIt's too late now, for the unorganized, I'm afraid.
Thank god the other half of our house is still AFL-CIO (IBEW).
God bless ya all.
@9:21 PM - Cincinnati September buyout total was 70+, 15 from news. Same number in news cut in this round. News total (including weeklies) was around 195 before the Sept. buyouts, so total jobs cuts are more than 10% in that department.
ReplyDeleteGearing up for Metromix Friday.
ReplyDeleteHey Absentminded in Louisville they canned 12 in production down to 22 pressman but have 6 supervisors and 2 managers!!! to run our supposedly "State of the FART" press
ReplyDeleteFellow journalists, I feel your pain for I've been through layoffs myself.
ReplyDeleteHere's a possible lifeline for NJ folks: The Star-Ledger welcomes your resumes and we expect to have some opportunities available almost immediately. I'm particularly interested in copy editors, but there are other openings.
Please send your stuff to
Associate Editor Tom Curran
The Star-Ledger
1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102
With any luck we can get some folks working again before the holidays.
Mark
All those folks at the non-union Gannett papers too "scared" to sign a union card...was this a better ending? Less scary than having a union represent you?
ReplyDelete8:49 - not every middle manager is just shuffling papers. I'm married to a middle manager who works a minimum of 60 hours per week, and more if someone is on vacation or sick. He's also doing two jobs right now and will be picking up more work now that the layoffs have hit.
ReplyDeleteQuit pushing unions. They aren't the answer. Been there, done that, got the scars.
ReplyDeleteI've written and re-written this post several times. All I can say, really, is "what the hell now?" Job retraining?
ReplyDelete@6:16 PM I am told that all online directors/managers at community papers will be gone soon. All being centralized at corporate.
ReplyDeleteI didn't work for Gannett, but my husband did. He was laid off this week, which was especially traumatic since I had already lost my own editorial job last spring. Thank God we've had my mother helping us since the summer, but she can't help us with health insurance (we have a 5-year-old child and a four-month-old baby, and my husband is diabetic). Thanks to those of you posting the info on the health insurance we can find through MediaBistro.com - it might become necessary if neither of us can find a job with insurance before his runs out...
ReplyDeleteYeah, wouldn't want a union at Gannett. That would only lead to better wages, benefits, overtime, negotiations w/management & massive layoffs.
ReplyDeleteOoops! Never mind.
There are openings at the Star-Ledger? Didn't they just lay off a bunch of folks too???
ReplyDelete8:15 and others. You obviously don't know Gannetts history with Union Organizing. First everything is on the table including pension and 401k's. Second it takes years, if ever to get a contract. Wendell Van Lare, the lead negotiator and legal guy is Dutch, and it shows, stubborn, adheres to company line and has infinate patience to wait the negotiations out. Just ask anyone who has ever gone through it with him or Jaske before he left. It will age you prematurely and lead to worse wages, benefits and work rukes than when you started. Most of the successful unions were in place before Gannett got the paper. The successful ones were only at the largest papers. Even huge size in the union bastion of Detroit didn't do much in th end in Motown. What do you think would happen when the company is this desperate.
ReplyDeleteThe Guild is still there in "Motown," and that's not the result GCI wanted. So who won, and who lost?
ReplyDeleteWe lost a Director in Visalia. He was always fair and jeld us accountable. He pushed his team to thier limits and they are better for it. They are a complete different team then they were before he arrived. I do not know how will be do it without him, this layoff was a mistake.
ReplyDeletePart 1 Post comment:
ReplyDeleteDubow's Wasteland
This is for Anonymous....I just have to say whomever wrote the (Poem) to the tune of Winter Wonderland, you are a true poet!
Don't focus on unions. Use the GANNETT EMPLOYEE MANUAL and use it TO THE LETTER. That's how you can push back against TimeSheet Fraud, Unpaid Overtime (becasue they want more for nothing). Even Wendall "Bulldog Face" Van Lare can't counter that.
ReplyDeleteYou know what you do with a bully who thinks he can intimidate you and has power over you, you walk up to him and puch him in the face (figuratively) as hard as you can; He won't expect it and you will gain the advantage.
One poster over the last few weeks said the thing Gannett Corp fears is "Wage & Hour, Wage & Hour, Wage & Hour." DON'T FORGET THAT!!
What will they do....Fire Us?? They're going to to that anyway.
When Gannett was strong they could push people around....now it's weak. They need us to get what's left of this hollowed out media hulk out on the street.
I believe Gannett is making the right moves to shore up their financial health while still in a position to manage proactively.
ReplyDeleteThe notorious 'list' of profit margins that was posted does not define accurately what those numbers are. It could be EBITDA; operating cash flow; operating margin; operating income or one of perhaps a dozen terms that companies use to describe 'profit' in broad terms. (see http://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingcashflow.asp).
I am a retired publisher who worked for Capital Cities/ABC, Worrell Enterprises, Harte Hanks,and other public companies before I wound it down. Each of those companies had different ways of identifying profits. One strived for a minimum number of 40%, another pegged it at 35% and another felt that if fifty cents out of every dollar didn't drop to the margin line, the publisher didn't amount to much.
I recall one corporate executive urging me to state my circulation revenues net of circulation delivery costs. That act lowered the total revenue but drove up the cash flow percentage. I was told not to question this but I did anyway and found out that this executive's bonus was based on percentages instead of dollars.
My point is that defining profits for internal use is quite different from a real bottom line number that accounts for depreciation, amortization, debt service, taxes, capital projections and other factors.
It still may be a double digit number but in my opinion there isn't anything obscene about that.
2:23 theses are based on NIBT and they are accurate but old.
ReplyDeletelet's face it the newspaper industrial is doom
ReplyDelete