Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Part 3 | Tuesday | Dec. 2 | Got news, a question?

This section is now closed to new comments; see Wednesday's edition.
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172 comments:

  1. Jim12/02/2008 6:47 PM

    Because of overwhelming traffic, I've now started this third edition of today's Real Time Comments open forum.

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  2. Anonymous12/02/2008 6:48 PM

    re: age discrimination.

    They could look at the employees as just numbers without knowing age, gender, etc. and make the same decision. It's not about age, it's about the wage they have to pay for them. So no, it's not age discrimination, even if age generally correlates positively with a higher wage earner within a company.

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  3. Shirley in Texas12/02/2008 6:49 PM

    It is becoming clearer and clearer that Gannett is in over its head doing these layoffs. It just seems sloppy to ask people to work after they have been told they have to go. If they wanted them to work until Dec. 26, they should have kept the news to themselves until that day. I don't know who these people are, but I commend them for being willing to continue on while knowing they're terminal.
    This is a massive undertaking, beyond what anyone imagined.
    I feel sorry for the editors and their staff who are left in the newsroom after it is all over. I can't imagine what that's going to be like.
    And if it is true that all the institutional memory for the newspaper has been purged, Gannett better keep the electronic archive/morgue hopping because the remaining reporters will need it to keep from making stupid mistakes on new beats.

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  4. Anonymous12/02/2008 6:50 PM

    Has anyone heard what's going on in Staunton, Va.? Is Jim McCloskey, their editorial cartoonist going to be staying.

    If anyone remembers several months ago, the Honolulu Advertiser let Dick Adair go in July or so.

    It seems that whenever newspapers are bleeding money. The editorial cartoonists get the axe. I hope the News Leader sees fit to keep Jim.

    If not he'll join the other award winners fighting for syndication rights, or he'll be looking for a career change. Pity.

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  5. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:07 PM

    A friend, not a journalist, heard about the layoffs and sent this to me to share with corporate:
    SANTA looked at his list.
    He even checked it twice.
    And found that you haven't been very nice.
    Since coal is so expensive here's the scoop...
    Santa's filling your stocking
    With lots of reindeer Poop!
    Happy Holidays!!

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  6. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:07 PM

    Carrying a thought over from the last thread -- folks, if you want to stay in touch with departed colleagues, get on Facebook and/or LinkedIn. You can stay in touch AND broaden your horizons a little bit. It's like networking without the awkward introductions.

    Don't blame the Web. Turn it to your advantage. You can do so much more than write angry blogs with angrier groupthink-addled anonymous comments.

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  7. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:11 PM

    Was there really a VP at APP laid off?

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  8. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:12 PM

    Here's how it went down for info center employees in Brevard...

    Working for a time when you get a phone call to come down to HR. Sometimes your supervisor accompanies you, sometimes not. HR rep runs through severance details and then you go back, clear out your desk, say your goodbyes and leave. IT then deactivates your log-in pasword.

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  9. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:13 PM

    fond du lac wisconsin 6 and counting

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  10. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:15 PM

    Any word from Palm Springs?

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  11. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:16 PM

    This from The Ville Voice blog in Louisville:

    Word is beginning to trickle in from the Courier-Journal newsroom, and the news is that at least two staffers with long tenures and prominent bylines are clearing out this afternoon.

    A company-wide meeting is being held as we speak, at 4 p.m. Byron Crawford, the long-time statewide columnist, is the first familiar name taking the Gannett buyout offer. I’m told that Crawford has written has final C-J column and won’t be back. Also, Indiana reporter Dick Kaukas will no longer be part of the C-J reporting staff as he’s taking the buyout offer.

    Looks like several newsroom staffers are taking buyouts. Add to the list reporter Linda Stahl from Features and Bill Wolfe from the Business page.


    My comments: Byron Crawford is a Kentucky icon. With metro columnist Bob Hill (another icon) retiring this summer, that means the C-J is now devoid of a local general interest column. The others are also pre-Gannett stalwarts who have had illustrious careers at the C-J and whose local knowledge will be sorely missed by readers. (In the aggregate, they have more than 100 years of experience at the C-J). I worked with all of them and they are all first-rate journalists and, much more importantly, first-class people.

    It's hard to imagine how the C-J newsroom can sustain any more losses, given that it has been reduced to near nothing as it is. It's a mere shadow of what 25 years ago was considered one of the finest newspapers in the nation. What a loss to journalism and to Kentucky and the Louisville community. But I am sure it will only get worse tomorrow.

    A sad, slow and excruciating death at the hands of a pathetic pack of corporate bean counters.

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  12. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:18 PM

    8 in P cola newsroom? What jobs?

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  13. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:19 PM

    what's up in Wilmington? have they finished? who got shown the door?

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  14. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:23 PM

    Does this mean the cuts are done in Westchester?

    http://lohud.com/article/20081202/BUSINESS01/812020440

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  15. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:25 PM

    Just wondering...i have seen nothing or little about any production layoffs in NJ....i'm on the old folks shift there and we got through the day but the night shift was a real concern...Damn Shame about Alex in tech services

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  16. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:27 PM

    1:36 PM
    "Unless there is some strange turn of events, the newsroom at the HNT will get the bulk of the Courier News newsroom which appears to be untouched....once again!"

    Looks like all the advertising and production managers from the CN have now managed to replace ALL the advertising and production managers at the HNT. This is ironic because the CN has always sucked and had horrible numbers compared the HNT. Now these same managers can continue to ruin yet another newspaper!

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  17. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:29 PM

    It seems obvious that they will finally merge the courier news and HNT.

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  18. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:29 PM

    7:19,

    From comment # 200 on the second thread of the day ... visit lifeaftertnj.blogspot.com.

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  19. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:30 PM

    I remember running HNT Sunday Main editions at almost 100.000 copies...Now we do preprints of less than 60,000 wonder if they can move afew more papers to Freehold we certiannly have more time to print now..with no advertising to clutter up the b.s.

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  20. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:31 PM

    Any word on cartoonists keeping/losing their jobs? Lots of good cartoonists left at Gannett, and I hope they survived this round.

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  21. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:34 PM

    I left Gannett and Elmira Star-Gazette end of 1988 but still have a few friends at the paper -- or friends who used to be there? It's shameful what the corporate clowns have done to the S-G and so many other Gannett papers. Any specifics on names who did not survive the day in Elmira?

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  22. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:35 PM

    Former Courier-Journal Graphic Artist here...

    Just wanted to drop in and give a few thanks. I've been with the C-J for 18+ years and was given a voluntary layoff today. I'm coming from a different view point than probably some that are getting laid off unexpectedly. But I'd like to formally thank the Courier-Journal for the past 18 years. It has been a great place to work and it has afforded me to have nice things that I might not have had. I didn't have a college education when I started there and was able to work myself through various levels and jobs through hard work. I have accomplished a lot there and am glad that I was given that opportunity.

    I can't sit here and be upset for there is nothing to be upset about. I've had a good time working there and have been treated with respect. I can only hope that my next 20 years are as good to me in my next career adventure.

    I would also like to commend our HR people and bosses as they've handled what I feel a very difficult situation. All of my questions were answered very thoroughly before I ever had to ask. I had a entire list of questions to ask and after they went through everything I only had to ask one of those questions. I know not everyone's situation is the same. I'm leaving on my own and I would probably wouldn't be feeling as generous in my comments if I wasn't. But I just felt that I need to share that not every HR personnel has it out for you. They're just doing a job that has been given them. So don't be so rough on them. It's not them that have decided it's YOU that needs to go.

    I will visit from time to time the old GannettBlog that has kept me up to date. To Jim, I say THANKS for keeping this crazy train going. I'm sure some times he's wanted to just hit the DELETE button and silence us all. But he hasn't. So here's to Jim and for doing what he does best. Once this crazy thing is over with you need to go get a real job and give Sparky what he deserves... Nice shiny things.

    Anyway, over but not out here. Wish me luck and luck to all those who are waiting to hear what tomorrow holds.

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  23. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:37 PM

    They cut some great people at the APP, at least 4 in day shift ADS, more than a dozen in the newsroom, several in retail advertising, the entire Special Sections department and we still have to see who got it on the night shift when we come back in tomorrow.
    They also appear to be consolidating the classified phone rooms from several NJ Group papers in Asbury.

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  24. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:40 PM

    ""Unless there is some strange turn of events, the newsroom at the HNT will get the bulk of the Courier News newsroom which appears to be untouched....once again!""

    There's not much in that newsroom to touch. CN has five reporters and a couple of clerks. Their building is empty and cavernous. The "bureau" they are supposed to move to later this month is around 3000 sf.

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  25. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:40 PM

    Has anyone heard of any layoffs in their Finance Departments? While many were laid off in every other department, we didn't see anyone crying in accounting. With the losses in News, Advertising, Production and Circulation it seems like it will be very difficult to improve revenues. What will the bean-counters do when there are no more beans to count?

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  26. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:41 PM

    Steve S. in Louisville: Classy comments. Thanks ... and good luck!

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  27. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:42 PM

    What's happening on the broadcast side?

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  28. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:44 PM

    To Steve S.....i can appreciate how oyu feel and of course it does make a huge difference HOW you leave...but to those of us left behind we wonder if the persons doing the cuts are the ones who s should go first...after all thye are the people who are tursted with running this vast newpaper....some with nothing more than a GDS cert. amazing

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  29. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:45 PM

    Steve from the C-J: Thank you for the nice post and for taking the voluntary layoff/buyout. I have only been with the company (in the newsroom) for nine years and I am terrified about tomorrow. I also want to say thank you to the others from the CJ who took the buyout...I know many did so to hopefully "protect" those of us with less seniority, smaller paychecks and younger families. You will all be missed.

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  30. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:45 PM

    7:37 PM someone mentioned earlier that a VP was laid off. Is that true and if so who?

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  31. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:46 PM

    Steve s..give me a break...WOW trolling for a new job?? if not, you'd of been annonymous like you've been while slicing the hell out of Gannett

    weak....

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  32. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:47 PM

    Linda Stahl from the CJ is gone?
    And is that Jim Bruggers, who signed in as the former environmental reporter?

    Jesus.

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  33. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:51 PM

    7:45, I think that was confused with an ME at the APP. If there was a VP who got laid off, none of us have heard that.

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  34. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:52 PM

    7:47 - no - it's Bruggers' predecessor

    Jim is still there, as far as I know

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  35. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:53 PM

    Such turmoil! Hasn't Gannett figured out that morale has tanked? I guess they don't care about productivity. Revenue is the name of the game at Gannett. I got so sick of hearing that word "revenue" when I worked for Gannett.

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  36. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:53 PM

    7:40 - Don't forget about the Big Finance Project! Most all of the finance depts. already have their walking papers - just not sure when. They already lost some of credit/collections last month. Apparently, A/P (accts pay) will be going in January. The new invoices went out for Dec. with the new remit address so all payments (A/R -accts recv) will be processed at the "new" site. And any GL (gen ledger) will follow thereafter. All finance depts. country wide should be dissolved by March 31st - at least that's what we've been told. So maybe they're not crying cause they have no more tears left!!!!

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  37. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:56 PM

    Thank you, Steve S., for elevating this blog from the mire. I am horrified at the vilification of our colleagues and co-workers -- that paper sucked, this person deserves to be fired, why didn't they fire that person instead? Take a step back and read some of what you are saying here. These are PEOPLE: Good people, lazy people, dedicated people, hard workers, long timers, whatever. But they were your friends, your co-workers, your brothers- and sisters- in-arms. Find some compassion and some maturity.

    After 24 years with Gannett, I was laid off in September -- one of the worthless suits that so many on this blog were so happy to see go. My VP title and my three presidents rings entitled me to exactly the same package and exactly the same treatment as our colleagues are getting today. In the trenches, we are all equals and we should all show some respect and consideration for anyone who is walking out into uncertainty tonight.

    My thoughts and prayers for a better day are with everyone who has lost their job today and in previous cutbacks, which the papers have been experiencing for more than 2 years.

    Careful what you say: There but for the grace of God... well, you know the rest.

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  38. Anonymous12/02/2008 7:58 PM

    Did they let go any of the pressmen in APP in Freehold? Gee I hope so seeing as there is so little left to print these days!

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  39. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:05 PM

    For the person who asked about McCloskey, he wasn't one of the 10 people cut in Staunton. (And for anybody wondering how a 20K paper still has a cartoonist, he's also an ad rep -- always has been.)

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  40. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:06 PM

    Let us see.. Other VPs let go.. Come on..this is not a lay off.. This is a let go..fired.. No one will be going back to their jobs.
    Terri Hovey-Randall IT (Cincinnati)
    Mike Womack Circ (Cin - prior to that phoenix - I think). But, for those of you who think safety is just around the corner.

    I can assure you..it is not. After the consolidation of departments like Finance, IT and Circulation. The duplication - low hanging fruit - will go...

    All I can say - Good luck to those of you who make it through the next couple of months. And like myself...unemployment with State benefits is going to be a tough and trying holiday..for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:11 PM

    Thanks for those thoughts, anonymous ex-VP @ 7:56.

    P.S. My ex-employer, the Mpls Star Tribune, warned employees today that if drastic budget cuts aren't made by January, "the survival of the paper is at stake."

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  42. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:12 PM

    Just heard that Binghamton sold their building ... will be out of there by Summer of 09.

    Could it be that they're going to merge Binghamton, Elmira, and Ithaca into one building? A consolidated copy desk's a given, and after tomorrow, there will be about 30 fewer people across these papers. They sure don't need all the room they have.

    Seems there's more revenue in selling their own real estate than anything else for Gannett nowadays.

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  43. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:13 PM

    Regarding the C-J: is it that those who took buyouts were announced today, and the layoffs will be announced tomorrow?

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  44. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:14 PM

    Here is some of the news from Louisville:

    News - 6
    Advertising - 7
    Circulation - 1

    All voluntary buyouts except Circulation was given the chose of a reassignment with pay cut but more than likely will decline it

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  45. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:23 PM

    Plenty of people in the Pressroom at the APP. The parking lot was practically empty by noon. Tons of great people all around. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and now Bloody Tuesday. Everyone should be wearing black to work in NJ. Well, the 3 of us left...

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  46. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:24 PM

    8:12pm
    Regarding the C-J : One graphic designer was involuntarily laid off today. It's unclear how management & HR are determining when to call people in and break the news to them.

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  47. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:24 PM

    In Buffalo, WGRZ consumer reporter Mike Igoe has volunteered to take a buyout.

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  48. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:24 PM

    7:46... not sure if I know you... you sound familiar... If you really knew me I have always thought the CJ was a good place to work and have said so numerous times. Did I get disgusted with things and co-workers? hell yeah. Do I still think the CJ was a good place to work? Yes I do. Did I agree with everything that goes on? No. So I'm trolling for a new job? Not sure what you're insinuating.

    Anyway, I just wanted to at least speak up and share my experience. Sorry if you don't agree. Good luck to all who are awaiting.

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  49. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:28 PM

    8:23 PM

    "Plenty of people in the Pressroom at the APP."

    Does that mean that "plenty" were let go or that "plenty" are still employed?

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  50. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:28 PM

    Brevard's IT dept hasn't deactivated my password yet.

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  51. ash12/02/2008 8:29 PM

    Asheville Citizen-Times Publisher Randy Hammer sent a note today, telling colleagues that "it's a very sad day" at the Citizen-Times.

    Read the rest here:
    http://ashvegas.squarespace.com/journal/2008/12/3/hammer-to-citizen-times-employees-it-is-a-very-sad-day.html

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  52. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:30 PM

    Never saw a VP in any trench I was in. And don't insult those who toil/toiled for regular wages with this talk about "exactly the same package."

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  53. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:30 PM

    plenty let go. like a revolving door.

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  54. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:32 PM

    I have a question about what's going on in New Jersey, long-term.

    Description of one of the NJ papers from Gannett's website is: "The Courier News is a consolidation of The Evening News (founded in 1884), the Plainfield Daily Press (founded in 1887) and the Plainfield Courier (founded in 1891)."

    This is historical information, but I wonder if it has some relevance to current plans of the company. Do you see where I'm going with this ??

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  55. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:33 PM

    I've seen plenty of VPs come in over the years, further screw up things in the trenches and then parachute out. I could only dream of having their parachute. I'm afraid when my time comes I'm going to be handed an anvil.

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  56. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:37 PM

    Someone please tell me how you let go of good people and keep TWO managing editors in Fort Myers.

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  57. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:37 PM

    I think a follow-up on Green Bay layoffs would be appropriate, given the news the other day about profit margins

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  58. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:39 PM

    8:14, any word on who the 7 in advertising were?

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  59. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:39 PM

    Steve S. said "I would also like to commend our HR people and bosses as they've handled what I feel a very difficult situation."

    Explain. How do you feel they have handled it well?

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  60. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:40 PM

    Regarding Anon's post: "Brevard's IT dept hasn't deactivated my password yet."
    12/02/2008 8:28 PM

    I left my paper 368 days ago, and I can still get into the computer system from home. And last time I went by the office, a couple of months ago, my high-security electronic ID card still opened the door.
    Sometimes I wish I were more vengeful. Or braver....

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  61. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:47 PM

    Steve S. is sincere he was just in a unique situation. This buyout came at the perfect time for him. He was getting ready to quit after 18 years for another career. So he gets his cake and gets to eat it to. Lucky for him I can see why he is very happy and wish him the best of luck.

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  62. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:50 PM

    Who are the good people who were let go in Fort Myers? Please let me know.

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  63. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:52 PM

    Hey 8:40 let's not get the FBI involved again. Getting fired sucks but perspective!

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  64. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:52 PM

    Well, Gannett execs, you went and did it. Three weeks before christmas, you ruined hundreds if not thousands of lives. No telling how many kids were in tears tonight, asking mom and dad if they "were poor now.'' And for what? A few notches on the stock ticker, which will be gone in a few more days anyway.

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  65. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:53 PM

    I don't know how each HR dept. handled it, I can only say that at the APP, management had to do the dirty work, and I feel for them. They had to let people who had been with comp. over 20 and 30 yrs go. I doubt as though it was a picnic for them. It wasn't their choice. It was their job. I could see the pain ( and tears) in their eyes...

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  66. Anonymous12/02/2008 8:55 PM

    so far as this APP pressman can tell only one pressman left voluntarily...and the term plenty is used on one shift...most of those pressman are working less than 30 hours a week...and paid for a full shift with differential to boot

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  67. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:02 PM

    I walked out of the CN in Bridgewater today with my head held high. For once, I will be able to get a good night's sleep. I can't say I worked hard here - I didn't, but neither did my manager who is still employed. Hopefully, she will get hers when the time comes. I heard from others that I was already being badmouthed by the crew there. To them, Kiss my ass.

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  68. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:04 PM

    6:38 PM writes "Why don't we start up our own wire service and compete with AP *and* CNN ;')"
    Hey, not a bad idea. Just think, we have "bureaus" alread in place across the nation. Give Gannett a taste of the real power of Cit-J.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:05 PM

    In Wilmington: a business reporter, a features reporter, a copy editor, a city/state assistant editor, a page designer, a sports columnist. I think a librarian also was cut.

    Ages spanned from the early 20s to the mid-50s.

    Not sure if they're done yet.

    The paper physically will shrink. That's a sure thing. Expect more publications to fold secondary sections into the front and local sections.

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  70. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:05 PM

    Fort Myers - so far
    3 copy editors
    1 photographer (took buyout)
    1 reporter (took buyout)
    1 reporter fired
    more reporters Wednesday
    1 production
    1 copy assistant
    1 online person

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:05 PM

    What is the word on Crystal Palace (non-newspaper division) employees? Cuts in Corporate Broadcast or any other Corporate departments (Finance, Law, Facilities, etc.)?

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  72. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:06 PM

    8:14, who was the one in circulation, if you can say?

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  73. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:06 PM

    9:04 EXACTLY! That's what we need to do. Someone get something started, for ex-Gannett employees. We have the skills and the will. Only problem is that making money part...obviously not that focus but we need to survive too. Any talented ppl care to head this up? If so spread the word, that's a really good idea if we can make it work.

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  74. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:07 PM

    9:02, if you didn't work hard you deserve to be bad mouthed!

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  75. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:08 PM

    9:05 - The newsroom is not the only USAT dept. losing people.

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  76. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:08 PM

    Some of those at the Courier News who should have been let go, weren't.
    The HN is always hit harder than the CN. Why is that? We lost good people today.

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  77. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:12 PM

    T0 9:07
    If that's the formula, shouldn't my boss be fired also

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  78. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:14 PM

    to 8:55 you could have gone to the overnite shift.... why didn't you?

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  79. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:17 PM

    Bye ...CN PD

    D - I'll miss you going on the internet all day!
    J - I'll miss your big stomach and being in everyone else's business!
    D - I'll miss seeing your lips glued to our managers behind!
    A - I'll miss you pretending to work!
    Good Bye

    ReplyDelete
  80. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:22 PM

    Greenville newsroom appears to have lost six, including two voluntarily.
    Political columnist
    copy editor
    photographer
    sports copy editor
    weekly pub
    special pubs

    ReplyDelete
  81. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:25 PM

    In Wilmington: 2 photographers, 1feature writer, 3 copyeditors (1 day desk, 2 night desk), 1 page designer (night desk), 2 sportswriters, 1 business writer, 1news writer, 1 from editorial board, 1 ass't city editor, 1 librarian (voluntary). Maybe more but they have to get the paper out tonight, ya know?

    ReplyDelete
  82. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:41 PM

    What's the word on Des Moines? Are they taking less of a hit because of being a innovative site? Do they make more money and thereby not have to cut as much? Seems to be a sizable paper we haven't really heard from.

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  83. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:42 PM

    If I remember correctly, someone wrote in earlier to say Des Moines was getting cut today. No post script though.

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  84. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:43 PM

    Brevard - 35

    13 News (2 voluntary)
    3 Circulation
    6 Ad traffic
    1 HR
    5 Advertising
    2 IT (1 layoff, 1 transfer)
    2 Marketing
    1 Finance (voluntary)
    1 Building Maintenace
    1 Asst. Manager Pre-press
    1 Ad Services

    ReplyDelete
  85. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:44 PM

    Management in Wilmington, Del., is shameless. Not that it's a news flash. One of the photographers who was cut spent the day in Philadelphia at an assignment. They waited for the individual to come back and input all the photos into the system. The moment it was done, they pounced and took the photog down to HR...I honestly don't know how these people sleep at night.

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  86. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:45 PM

    9:22, (Greenville, SC) you can also ad two production artists. Yeah, the folks who create those ads that bring in the revenue. Who's next?

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  87. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:45 PM

    Brevard IT did not disable because there is nothing left of Brevard's IT!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:46 PM

    Jim,

    Have you considered formatting comments by region - ie have one thread for East Coast sites, one for the South, another for the Midwest and another for Western states ?

    Might make the threads more manageable and organized. Just a thought.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:46 PM

    Cuts at the Gannett State Bureau in Trenton were draconian. Bob Ingle, the columnist/bureau chief and general thorn in the side of the powerful, remains. So does Mike Symons, the super smart and efficient news editor who's the soul of the place and respected by his peers at the Statehouse and elsewhere. Cut were the four reporters who worked their tails off day in and day out: Greg Volpe, Lisa Ryan, Tom Baldwin and Mike Rispoli. All are talented. All are smart. All work hard. Together, they filled more than half of each NJ paper virtually every day. (Tom is an especially colorful character -- he was with the AP in Jerusalem and speaks fluent Arabic). Could someone explain how in the hell that well-regarded bureau could do its job with a staff of two? How could those two adequately cover the news-rich nuthouse that's the NJ legislature? This evisceration of a talented staff is utter, sheer madness, stunning in its stupidity and breathtaking in its lack of vision.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:47 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:49 PM

    RE: 8:32 "I have a question about what's going on in New Jersey, long-term." You mentioned the consolidation of other papers into what is now the Courier News. The Home News Tribune is the consolidation/merger of The Perth Amboy Evening News, The New Brunswick Home News and The Woodbridge News Tribune. I believe there might have been one other. Chuck Paolino could probably tell you more accurately but, oh, damn, we got rid of our greatest source of historical knowledge today.

    Sir, if you see this, good luck and thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:50 PM

    that terrorist comment is inappropriate, no matter what the situation is.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:53 PM

    Gracia Martore will sleep well tonight dreaming about how she's saving GCI.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:53 PM

    Also in Wilmington
    2 in Marketing
    2 in Circulation
    and tomorrow rumor of 15 in Advertising

    ReplyDelete
  95. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:54 PM

    9:46, were you talking about the cut at the Statehouse or Gannett in general?

    From what I've read here, a significant portion of the cuts today could be defined this way.

    What a damn shame.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:54 PM

    Pepto-Bismol and Imodium are making a fortune today as we wait for tomorrow. The firings are expected Wednesday in Jackson, MS — it will be another long, sleepless night!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:54 PM

    Have heard Des Moines is going be to well over 70.

    20 in News
    20 in Advertising
    10 in Production

    Unsure where rest will come from. DM owns a number of weeklies in Iowa, perhaps some from there.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:56 PM

    Chuck Paolino, he with the gravel voice and tough-guy Jersey accent, is certainly a loss. A big loss to Gannett NJ.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:56 PM

    Anyone reporting on Cincinnati?

    ReplyDelete
  100. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:56 PM

    to @at 9:02 finance is combined GCI and USAT, legal has several cuts over the past 2 yrs (attrition) and facilities has had several cuts over the past five years(attrition). The crystal palace is not as crowded as one might think. Walk around it there are more empty chairs and desks than people. There is talk about renting out several floors of the crystal palace

    ReplyDelete
  101. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:56 PM

    steve s should have been honest and not wasted our time with his sucky blogs--it is BS.Give me a break ....WOW I love my job, i love gannett--oh but I was planning on leaving for a new career so I will go ahead and take my severance.......and pretend I am suffering like the rest BUT Gannett is good--just in case..hate to burn any bridges right Steve? pathetic

    ReplyDelete
  102. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:57 PM

    Another "proud" moment in Wilmington, DE:

    The Day Copy Desk Chief obviously tried to time his arrival today to occur after a colleague got cut. He screwed up and got there just as the guy was coming to get his stuff from his desk. This self-aggrandizing loser didn't even had the guts to say a word to the guy as he was leaving. He just looked at him and walked away. I have to believe there is a special place in Hell for this jerk...At the very least, I have to hope they'll wise up and make this yes-man part of the next round of layoffs.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:58 PM

    So, I heard from another Gannettoid that someone on maternity leave was laid off today. Is that legal? Should she see a lawyer?

    ReplyDelete
  104. Anonymous12/02/2008 9:59 PM

    Green Bay ... I think they just covered the weekly newspapers and volunteers today. More cuts come tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:01 PM

    9:53

    then someone in Wilmington can't add.
    13 involuntary reported newsroom
    4 non-newsroom
    15 tomorrow = 32

    ReplyDelete
  106. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:02 PM

    Wait a second - If Des Moines cuts 20 from its newsroom, who will be left to take pictures of drunken young people at the bars ??

    ReplyDelete
  107. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:03 PM

    9:58, that rumor turned out to be false.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:03 PM

    9:54, I am talking about the Gannett bureau in Trenton in particular. But, yes, all statehouse bureaus in Jersey are being ripped to shreds. Though I think the Star-Ledger was overstaffed with about 20 or so staffers at one point, what's happening in Trenton and Jersey is a terrible shame. This in a state where corruption is endemic and as plentiful as in Florida or Louisiana.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:03 PM

    Has anyone heard anything about the Great Falls Tribune in Montana?

    ReplyDelete
  110. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:04 PM

    I heard that Green Bay tried to throw a reporter out the door, but he was intercepted by another company !!!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:06 PM

    Just curious to see what the final numbers come back with.

    From what I can see everyone going forward will be working for their wages.

    But how can they keep people who "suck" the life out of their departments by poor performance and poor service.

    Also, it is dumb-founding of who insensitive the Directors and VPs are being when so many are losing not only thier jobs but their livihood.

    By cutting their cuts...they are up 50 cents. A couple billion profit just isn't enough. Truly a sad day in the industry with many more to come.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:06 PM

    Anyone know what's happening in Greenville, SC? Especially in the newsroom?

    ReplyDelete
  113. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:10 PM

    Larry St.Cyr to the rescue!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:11 PM

    9:58 - that is true. There was an editor in Pensacola laid off who was on maternity leave.

    Pensacola lost 21 full time 7 part -timers today
    I don't know all but I do know:
    3 from sports
    a features reporter
    business editor
    a photog
    local editor
    assistant marketing director
    three from ad pro
    two ad reps

    haven't heard who else, but have heard they are done with layoffs - for this round

    ReplyDelete
  115. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:12 PM

    10:03, you misunderstood me. I was speaking only of Gannett cuts. What they did to the Statehouse bureau is ridiculous. But so is what they did to the Courier Post sports department. And there are clearly other places where some other very good people were shown the door.

    Your comment, "This evisceration of a talented staff is utter, sheer madness, stunning in its stupidity and breathtaking in its lack of vision," just really seems to sum up what happened today in a lot of the Gannett shops.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:12 PM

    LOL!!! Because, I will tell you what. 1 director left the building prior to my leaving. Another director saw me coming after my layoff and almost went to a sprint to get away. Seriously, you people are tactless and should not be in management of any kind if you can't handle what is going on. You can't handle the truth! Because you never know when someone is going to tell it to you.

    I seriously feel for these directors because when it is their turn - because one day it will be - there will be applauding as they exit. No one will turn their backs - they will be thankful to be rid of inconsideration shallow people.

    ReplyDelete
  117. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:14 PM

    Geez, I thought they were talking about the rumors about an NJ paper.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:14 PM

    10:11 or anyone, is it legal to lay off someone on maternity leave?

    ReplyDelete
  119. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:14 PM

    First of all, my heart goes out to those touched by this mass layoff. Gannett has failed to support and foster talented journalists and has never realized that the secret to getting people to read the paper is quality reporting. It's a shame.

    There are obviously a lot of talented people on here who still love and believe in journalism. I agree with the person who posted the previous comment that we should get together and start something. It's true; there will be fantastic reporters across the country to contribute to a project that involves quality journalism.

    I'm willing to help coordinate any movement for a project of this type.

    Anyone have ideas for forming a team project? Maybe we can set up a forum specific to this idea?

    ReplyDelete
  120. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:15 PM

    anon@1003: Nothing specific for Great Falls yet.

    By coincidence, there will be what the paper calls "a planned power outage for major electrical-service repair work at the Tribune building" tonight after midnight.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:17 PM

    Great Falls is planning to secede from the union. The power outage is simply a diversion.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:18 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:20 PM

    Jim, this crazy day is almost over. Any traffic numbers? Did we break a record for posts? Did you get a surge in donations?

    ReplyDelete
  124. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:21 PM

    Chuck was a class act, but I thought he left voluntarily. Is that not the case?

    ReplyDelete
  125. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:22 PM

    From Tim Chavez, www.politicalsalsa.com

    I'm following the layoffs in Nashville on my blog. A bureau editor, almost 50, just got cut. She probably made in the $50k range from her days downtown. She sent out an e-mail.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:23 PM

    Come on Cincy -- share your numbers. From the interstate reports you are a successful location so you must be losing a lot of folks. Just curious.
    Meeting and exceeding your numbers comes back to bite ya..huh..
    what facilities are you closing?

    ReplyDelete
  127. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:23 PM

    We are all waiting at CL in JXN, MS to see who gets the boot. It's really sad when you see people start to pack their stuff up before we even know who is going.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:26 PM

    Any word on the Republic?

    ReplyDelete
  129. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:28 PM

    So let me get this straight...in APP ADS...they let some people go, but yet they kept mk?! Un-f#@*&^&-believable!!! Why why why? Oh wait, I know....because his head is always up df's azz!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:29 PM

    What up, Guam ?

    ReplyDelete
  131. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:30 PM

    Hey 10:11 PM,
    Can you tell me the first initial of the reporter, photographer and the local editor layed off?

    ReplyDelete
  132. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:32 PM

    10:23 pm
    definitely..people are ready to leave as soon as they come in. Wednesday is only going to be worse. They are keeping very tight-lipped on this one.
    The first go round...someone from corporate leaked out to some VPs that they were on the list to be cut.
    By the way, the rest of us didn't get a severance package anywhere close to what "higher ups" are being compensated.

    Also, Mr. Dickey... 200K pay cut for a year - will not impact your lifestyle because that 1.3 m will keep you going - now does that include to stop on your bonus package.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:36 PM

    10:14 - I don't know if it is illegal to lay someone off who is on maternity leave. I'm not sure on the laws when it comes to that. Legal or not, it sucks. Definitely something to be looked into in my opinion

    ReplyDelete
  134. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:39 PM

    An observation from Brevard

    First the volunteers were called to HR, then operations, etc.

    It was interesting what there were people that seemed to know what, when and who before it happened.

    What makes this so strange is most middle-level managers didn't even know which employees they lost until they saw employees crying, packing or carrying termination paperwork down the hall.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:39 PM

    10:12, yup, I did misunderstand your previous post. Thanks for clarifying. Yes, the evisceration is throughout Gannettland. I feel terribly for NJ in particular because of the high number of cuts -- 206 -- in that one state. Make that 206 and counting. More to come in the days ahead if I'm not mistaken. Not to mention that cuts that the NJ papers have already absorbed so far this year ...

    ReplyDelete
  136. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:40 PM

    12/02/2008 8:39 PM...

    I guess what I meant was that if ANY ONE OF US was in their shoes we would do as we're told just as they are. We all take a job and we do that job. An HR person's job is to hire and fire and layoff. They're told to layoff. They do it. Simple.

    And if you reread my comment you would see that I was talking about my situation and my dealing with the HR. I have heard past horror stories on here from other newspapers about how the HR didn't know anything of what was going on. I was well informed when I left their office.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:43 PM

    A NJ paper is so messed up that it still has a picture of an employee of the month that was axed in August. If she knew about this should would be disguisted, she was a hard worker and busted her butt for the company. I guess they thought highly of her to keep it up, it makes me sick. CP was a great loss to this company today and I hope that another company picks him up soon, he would be a huge asset to them. Its always funny how the CN never gets touched but the HNT is always losing great employees.

    For all the others who were axed today, maybe we will get a good nights sleep now and not being worried about what will happen next at our text. I am so happy that the stress of it is over and that I can breathe again.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:45 PM

    from phx: no one sleeping well tonight. Graphic Designer of 22 yrs, awaiting fait, but mainly worried about my close friends. sux. smurfs rule.

    ReplyDelete
  139. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:46 PM

    i wasn't laid off today but that is no comfort. it's only a matter of time before the ship sinks. slow torture for the rest of us left behind.

    it was terrible to see so many talented people leave the EE's office, folders in hand and eyes on the door. of those who left, there were tears, stunned expressions, and some who frankly looked relieved.

    none of them deserved this.

    ReplyDelete
  140. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:47 PM

    Yes....what up, Guam? I have former colleagues out there, and wonder who is safe and who isn't...

    ReplyDelete
  141. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:48 PM

    "What makes this so strange is most middle-level managers didn't even know which employees they lost until they saw employees crying, packing or carrying termination paperwork down the hall."

    Why is that strange?

    It's clear that the layoffs have nothing to do with anything beyond achieving a payroll goal. Seniority, productivity, past awards, general excellence - none of that mattered. So why should the middle managers have been consulted?

    We're just pieces on a chessboard to Gannett.

    It would be completely different if they came out and said "OK, here's the restructuring plan here. We're cutting XYZ section to focus on ABC. We're reassigning Reporter A to Z beat. We're cutting a bureau because our priority is in coverage area F, where we have consistently sold the most copies over the last few years and which has the most growth potential."

    But they're not doing that - anywhere, from what I can tell.

    ReplyDelete
  142. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:49 PM

    10:43, sorry you got cut, my friend, but i am happy that you are able to breathe again. Best of luck to you. For all you know, getting cut could be the best thing that happened to you. Maybe now life will hand you that immensely fulfilling job that you never knew you wanted. Once again, good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  143. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:51 PM

    The Republic is tomorrow. Nobody is saying anything. But we keep hearing the word reorg. I think there will be lots of shifting along with the layoffs.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:52 PM

    Des Moines - were some people let go today? Or will the ax fall Wed AM? Who will be holding the ax - HR or VPs? Can you list any names of those gone?

    ReplyDelete
  145. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:57 PM

    10:48 PM - Why? Because the assholes that picked the employees to get canned didn't have a flipping clue what those employees do. Now, we have to figure out how in the hell to get a newspaper out with what they left us with.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:59 PM

    I know for a fact that Pensacola layed off an editor who was on maternity leave today. They called her in and told her they were laying her off. Jerks.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Anonymous12/02/2008 10:59 PM

    Hey 10:28 PM! Okay.... why don't you tell MK off and get over it already? Anyway, it's not over... I'm sure there are more layoff to come in the new year and the pkg will be less. Perhaps that will make you feel better when MK is finally chosen.

    10:43 PM - It's not really over is it...? Not until the very last HNT person is let go. That's their evil master plan. I guess we will see. We may be breathing better, but the air is not clear!

    ReplyDelete
  148. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:02 PM

    One of the NJ reporters cut was named a Gannett Rising Star a few years back. She was ambitious; she often worked long past her paid hours and shrugged it off because she cared about her beat and covered it like no one else. She was a kick-butt young reporter and now she's gone ... Gryz, you deserved better.

    when i'm tempted to work overtime for free, i'm goin to think of her. you should NOT EVER work more hours than you are paid for. what does it get u?

    ReplyDelete
  149. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:03 PM

    9:56, you're a real class act. probably one of the jerk asses worked with. sorry if i offended you. good day.

    ReplyDelete
  150. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:03 PM

    @Phx People - Stay strong tomorrow. As a past AZ Republic employee, (I quit 4 years ago - best thing I did), hang in there. I know it may not mean much but I am wishing you hard working folk the very best.

    ReplyDelete
  151. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:04 PM

    I just heard that calls are being made in Arizona. Not sure if it's PHX or Tucson.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:05 PM

    Beware any of you that may be hit or might be tommorow; I was done in Sept. after 22 years of hoping it would get better at Gannett, I have received no information on my pension and the Gannett pension helpline is not working, also the HR staff is not helping, might be the penalty for refusing to kiss ass!

    ReplyDelete
  153. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:08 PM

    10:57:

    I'd intended that to be slight sarcasm. Sorry it didn't come across.

    But, really, think about it. If we're all completely interchangable pieces and actual planning and priorities don't count when it's time to lay people off, why should it count when it's time to put out a newspaper?

    After all, it's EASY to edit a story, write a headline to fit, design a page with photos coming in late from RTC, write a story when people don't call you back, edit 10 stories that are all coming in late and ship them to the desk so they don't miss their deadlines... all you've got to do is work harder! And smarter! And do more with less!

    That's the kind of simplistic thinking that I see from the big bosses at my site, most of whom are so far removed from doing actual work that they no longer have any concept of what it takes.

    By doing layoffs in this fashion - and this was the point I was trying to make in my original post - it's clear that Gannett has given up on pretending to have any semblance of a plan. If Curtis Riddle had any idea what in the hell he was going to end up with in Wilmington, any idea what it took to actually put out a good news product, he would have articulated that at the beginning to let "folks" know what the hell was going on. But he doesn't. And neither does anyone else.

    These layoffs are a gigantic crapshoot. Dubow, et al, are crossing their fingers and praying it works.

    - 10:48

    ReplyDelete
  154. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:10 PM

    Jim,
    I just want to say thank you for the time and effort put into maintaining this blog. The opportunity to vent - and share - is truly appreciated.

    To all my co-workers, may tomorrow end swiftly!

    ReplyDelete
  155. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:14 PM

    11:08

    Well said! Couldn't have put it better.

    ReplyDelete
  156. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:15 PM

    10:39, I agree completely. I am scared about what lies ahead because I know there are some really good people who survived this round but chances are will get the ax next time. The whole situation just sucks.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:15 PM

    "After all, it's EASY to edit a story, write a headline to fit, design a page with photos coming in late from RTC, write a story when people don't call you back, edit 10 stories that are all coming in late and ship them to the desk so they don't miss their deadlines... all you've got to do is work harder! And smarter! And do more with less!

    "That's the kind of simplistic thinking that I see from the big bosses at my site, most of whom are so far removed from doing actual work that they no longer have any concept of what it takes."

    Damn, you just described my paper to a T. Others too I'm guessing.

    ReplyDelete
  158. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:18 PM

    So, we're really effing psyched in Burlington for Wednesday to arrive. Really psyched.

    If I don't get kicked to the curb, I'll have to sneak on home and check this place out to see which one of my comrades got the axe. Otherwise, I'll have my nose to the grindstone trying to do the work of two people.

    ReplyDelete
  159. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:19 PM

    Bridgewater: Could we all stop pretending that the cuts have been a great "opportunity" for the majority let go?? Past a certain age you have no job prospects. Your
    retirement benefits are not enough to feed the dog. You can't get a clear answer about qualifying for unemployment and your savings have been at least cut in half by Gannett's poor performance. What is left is a M.E. who could not possibly be worse in talent and people skills. You are also fully aware that you will be driving the extra miles to East Brunswick to fill the vacancies unjustly created.

    Let's make the effort to tell the advertisers we know (especially the very patriotic ones) about the outsourcing to India.

    It makes no difference that we survived this round because sooner than later we'll be there watching and waiting to be terminated because we lived too long!

    ReplyDelete
  160. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:23 PM

    For those of us at the AP in NJ who weathered the hatchet, there is still more bad news ahead. A staff meeting sked for Dec. 10. w/pub. Tim Donovan and EE Hollis Downes. They will probably tell us when the next set of layoffs will occur. Either Feb. or March is the guess here. They have all but boarded up the south OceanCo and Trenton bureaus after today.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:25 PM

    11:08 PM -- Sorry for missing the sarcasism on the 1st read.

    Slighly pissed off on losing good staff and seeing the "chosen ones" in other departments still here.

    ReplyDelete
  162. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:26 PM

    New Times' take on the Republic's upcoming execution:
    http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2008/12/arizona_republic_reporters_on.php

    ReplyDelete
  163. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:28 PM

    If they had given me a straight answer about unemployment insurance, I would have volunteered and saved someone else's job.

    ReplyDelete
  164. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:30 PM

    Steve S.

    So what are your future plans? What 'career adventure' is next for you?

    ReplyDelete
  165. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:31 PM

    I know of seven people lost in Pensacola:
    1. Full-time sports copy editor
    2. Part-time sports copy editor
    3. Sports agate clerk
    4. Business editor
    5. Neighbors editor
    6. Life page designer
    7. Photographer

    Who's No. 8?

    ReplyDelete
  166. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:32 PM

    I just wonder after all the layoffs are done with how long before Gannett goes to the govt. for a bailout..........

    ReplyDelete
  167. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:34 PM

    How is it that Greg Watson survived the cuts? What does he do exactly?
    What's his new title, "regional marketing director" and he lives in FL.? What was his title last week and last year and two years ago? Complete BS.

    ReplyDelete
  168. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:34 PM

    Any Indy folks out there???

    ReplyDelete
  169. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:36 PM

    11 in production at Couier Journal to be involuntary layed off

    ReplyDelete
  170. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:36 PM

    The Az Rep has completed contacting employees. Don't know who got it, but my partner is safe. Sad day though.

    ReplyDelete
  171. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:37 PM

    I'd like to add that the sports staff in Pensacola was cut by about 42 percent, much more than any other department at that newspaper. The layoff decisions seemed to have been made arbitrarily. S&D don't seem to be in touch with their newsroom -- at all.

    ReplyDelete
  172. Anonymous12/02/2008 11:39 PM

    OK, I've started something for all us ex-Gannett employees (and other news services - hey, we're all in this together).
    I just created a blog at http://4thestatenews.wordpress.com/
    Right now, in the short term, I envision it as a place for those laid off or who took buyouts to talk about what they've just experienced and what lies ahead for journalism. In the future, if we get enough participation, who knows... maybe we could morph into a Cit-J version of the AP. Or a job bank for journalists.
    For now, it's a place for the weary to talk and network.
    Stop by and let me know what you think.
    And, by the way, a HUGE thank you to Jim Hopkins who created this place for all of us lost journalists in cyberspace.
    Best wishes all,
    4th Estate News Service

    ReplyDelete

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