Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Part 6 | Wed. | Dec. 3 | Got news, or 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 - 5.)
113 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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Its 15:17 Hawaiian Standard Time and the bloodbath at the Honolulu Advertiser is on.
ReplyDeleteAny word from Springfield Offset?
ReplyDeletehttp://us.ft.com/ftgateway/superpage.ft?news_id=fto120320081903105982&referrer_id=yahoofinance
ReplyDeleteOur poor dear friends in Scotland. Imagine having to go through this.
Any specifics on Central Wisconsin?
ReplyDeleteScotland? Who cares about Scotland.
ReplyDeleteCurrently on Gannett Central Wisconsin Web sites. The 3 smaller papers each had less than 25 employees when this started because of job transfers to Wausau.
ReplyDeleteGannett Central Wisconsin Media today announced the elimination of 22 positions in response to difficult business conditions related to the current downturn in the economy and an ongoing transition in the newspaper industry.
The job cuts were the result of a 10 percent payroll reduction announced in October by parent company Gannett Co., Inc.
The Central Wisconsin group serves customers through the Wausau Daily Herald, Stevens Point Journal, Marshfield News-Herald and the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, along with related Web sites and niche publications.
The payroll cuts, effective this week, included 11 positions in Wausau, two in Stevens Point, one in Marshfield and one in Wisconsin Rapids. Four were eliminated as a result of retirement, and three were open positions that will remain unfilled.
“These changes do not come easily,” Michael Beck, president of Central Wisconsin Media, told employees. “These are friends and colleagues. Still, we remain committed to providing the region with the best local information — in the way that they want it.”
Found it interesting that the Arizona Republic in Phoenix actually brought the state unemployment folks in to provide assistance to the people that lost their jobs. That clearly took advance preparation and indicates a fair number of folks had to know the size of the layoffs and perhaps who was leaving ahead of time. Did anywhere else take that step? Do you think it was a good thing or not?
ReplyDeleteI just posted it because it's about cuts at Newsquest, Gannett's UK arm. Read it. It's pretty awful stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat about broadcast? Acceptances of the voluntary severances were due on December 1 and folks were supposed to learn whether or not their "offer to accept" was accepted or not today.
ReplyDeleteIs Corporate Broadcast's HR person still there?
ReplyDeleteAt The Des Moines Register: Reporter Juli Probasco-Sowers was fired yesterday. Juli had been at the paper forever and was a consummate pro. She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteIowa City laid off 6 full time employees, 2 part time and eliminated 2 open positions - told today, effective today.
ReplyDeleteWith all the concern about waste and unnecessary pages, one would think the Courier News would not blow four entire broadsheet pages in its weekly TMC for house ads this week. Seems to be a regular occurance in the daily paper. Open the four page classified section and there's a half page of liners, two pages of house ads, and puzzles.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you using the word "fired". Layoffs and fired are way different.
ReplyDeleteTo those callous individuals who denigrate the work of others with "Who cares about them" statements, remember that those people who lost their jobs today are all men, women, moms and dads, many of them, like me, may be supporting a family. I have 3 young children, and my husband and I both lost our jobs in the same week. I worked on the much-derided moms' site, that so many of you disregarded as simply fluff and sex talk. But it was someone's job and livelihood. That is why you should care--it's the human thing to do. I would hope that in your next position, you come to understand that the contribution of each individual has value, whether YOU value it, or not. Good luck to all who lost their jobs today.
ReplyDeletehere is a video of our fearless leader
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/5ajeof
gag me
Ruth's Indy Star list is also missing layoffs from the Advertising Department...I've heard of only one (14-year veteran, middle management). Any more scoop on this department?
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe that while a central print site in Ohio got cut, the other 9-10 papers there pretty much got a pass!
ReplyDeleteNo one is giving numbers from those places because apparently no one got cut!
Why isn't anyone explaining this? The Wisconsin papers have been hit hard, and even Indiana acquisions are being slammed...
But these Ohio papers seem to get a pass from Gannett???
In looking at Jim's revenue numbers, most were at the LOW end of the revenue percentage (and isn't it ironic that as we talk about all the massive layoffs.... ALL of these papers except for Detroit are in the black with double-diget profits - and Detroit is getting a pass, too) so why are these Ohio papers left alone?
If they are seeing layoffs, why aren't there any postings???
8:27 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Arizona is a state with very stringent WARN notification requirements, meaning they probably notified the state because they had to.
Arizona = Right to Work State
ReplyDelete7:26 in pensacola: how can you be sure the one you mentioned isn't a wolf, too? Beware.
ReplyDeleteActually, Arizona is a right to work state with fewer regulations on most things than other states (considered by some to be the wild west full of mavericks). Workforce Connection does the unemployment benefits and helps the unemployed find jobs.
ReplyDeleteIn Lansing, one of former Gannett Talent Development Program was layoff. This doesn't look good for young graduates.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I also agree that VP of ADV- Pam Jodway should be fired. She makes LSJ look really bad.
To 7:54pm, can you please check out the post @ 5:42pm? Do you have some crazy vendetta against the midsize Ohio papers? Many of these papers have been whittling staff down for years now (no new hires, vacated positions unfilled, etc.)so they are tightly staffed and more likely to be profitable. FYI: Circ.-30,000, Editorial staff-20. Do the math.
ReplyDeleteFind it incredulous that Dubow, Conner and Dickey are planning on taking their families on a holiday cruise to the Caribbean while thouands are given pink slips three weeks before Christmas. Gee, the stock is up 20 cents a share today, too! These monsters have ruined the company and need to be removed while a company still exists. My bailout for Dubow? How about everybody on the cruise with his family is laid off workers?
ReplyDeleteYou can easily be a right to work state, but still be held accountable to meet WARN requirements in cases of big layoffs or shutdowns.
ReplyDeleteHey 7:23 and 8:48 - AMEN on Ad Director. Was so hoping she'd be gone. Our dept. has been in a downward spiral since she's been there.
ReplyDeleteClassified was decimated today.
What happened today at Bob Dickey's staff meeting in the First Amendment Dining Room???
ReplyDeleteVendetta? No, it is just that the groups of papers in other states have been whittling down staffs as well, and have seen significant cust today and Tuesday of some great journalists in places like Wisconsin and New York.
ReplyDeleteTHOSE papers were also tightly staffed. So don't say the Ohio papers should also feel the ax, as well.
Frankly, there is a serious quality issue here... many of the laid off staffers today were veterans, exceptional journalists. And let's be blunt, those small papers in Ohio don't have a wealth of talent, based on what Gannett folks have seen of them.
It just hurts to see friends and true professionals get the door, when these one group - any group - seem immune.
Can anyone list one of those Ohio papers that actually lost folks today? "Spread among the other papers" isn't good enough....
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete8:38 PM
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for you and your family. Bless you dear.
This from:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081203/BREAKING01/81203052
The Honolulu Advertiser today announced a third round of staff reductions, with 41 employees accepting voluntary buyouts and another 10 being laid off.
The reductions were company-wide and the result of "continued deterioration in local, national and world economic conditions," said Advertiser Publisher Lee Webber.
The 10 positions that are being eliminated included six full-time and four part-time employees.
"As 2008 draws to a close and we head into 2009 with our eye focused firmly on the future, we continue to face many challenges as we navigate through these increasingly difficult economic times," Webber said in an e-mail to his staff. "As I have said before, we have a great team here at the Advertiser. I am confident we will all continue to work together, changing when, where and as we must to ensure our future."
The Arizona Republic memo indicated that 15 employees were offered alternative positions. What does this mean? Lower salaries or just a change in duties? Did this happen anywhere else?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about alternative positions, but our newsroom is restructuring and some of us will have new assignments. The new job suggested for me sounds good and I should be happy to still have a job. The supervisor is toxic and I doubt I'll be around long under her.
ReplyDeletePalm Springs layoffs something like...
ReplyDelete2 in adv
1 custodian
5 in composing due to 2adpro
1 building mgr
1 in custom pub
1 in grafx
1 in marketing
Some more. Not sure yet.
There's been questions about how the selections are made for layoffs. I'm a former Gannettoid who was involved in these decisions. It is purely up to the VP or director of the department. If you're not in good with them, forget it. they will find a way to be rid of you. They just have to justify it to the higher-ups...and they will. Believe me.
ReplyDeleteWho was let go in Iowa City? How did the sports department fare?
ReplyDeleteWow. With all the losses this week it's upsetting to see someone looking for more heads to roll. Would "making it even" make it any less devastating to those that have lost their jobs?
ReplyDeleteI am NOT saying that other papers have not made cuts prior to this week. I AM saying that at a certain point you can't make significant cuts and still put out a paper. I will assume though that this is what the previous poster would like to see happen. I guess communities outside of the wondrous metro areas do not deserve papers, not that it matters since you probably also believe people in these areas can't read anyway.
Anon @ 9:16: You nailed it! Case in point: Brevard. Cancer survivor comes back to work after months of treatment — gets laid off. Low-output, whining employee that no one likes to work with — keeps job. Supervisor afraid of confrontation.
ReplyDeleteGreat Falls Tribune announces layoffs
ReplyDeleteDecember 3, 2008
The nation’s largest newspaper company, Gannett Co., started implementing a 10 percent work force cut announced in October in response to declining revenue.
Employees at some of the company’s 85 local and regional papers learned this week what cuts will occur at their publications.
Gannett is the parent company of Great Falls Tribune, which had six layoffs, bringing the number of employees from 165 to 159.
Departing employees will get up to 26 weeks of severance pay, depending on years of service.
"Our local economy continues to hold up comparatively well, but we are seeing major weakness in many Gannett newspaper mar-kets," said Tribune Publisher Jim Strauss. "We had been able to avoid layoffs until now, and I truly regret having to take this step. The weakening national picture necessitated layoffs at all Gannett newspapers."
The Great Falls Tribune’s layoffs occurred in the news, advertising, distribution center, production and specialty publication departments.
Hey 8:53...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. She was the one kill the NOISE- Young Audience Publication. By the way, she even layoff one of her assistants.
This woman needs to go, because she is always late and leave early at work.
Wow, didn't realize LSJ was THAT dysfunctional. Should be a very interesting sales meeting (the next one) as PJ and KH eyeball the room to see who has been throwing daggers - sounds like the whole crowd! Good luck peeps, I can remember when LSJ was one of the golden papers with Kane and Hollingsworth.
ReplyDelete9:16 PM - We saw exactly that in Brevard. 9:24 PM - I was sick when I heard about her and the gentleman who just recently returned from a heart attack in advertising.
ReplyDeleteThe Holiday Cruise by corporate leaders is the final straw! Workers need to go on strike at Gannett. Rise up again this wasteful, cruel, joke of an American company, so far removed from its so-called mission that it should be ashamed of itself.
ReplyDeleteHow did Wilmington's layoffs play out? which departments got hit and how many?
ReplyDeletea gannett exec is already recruiting for an OPENING on Twitter - post below
ReplyDeletetcallinan @DPoulson In fact, we will be hiring a good business reporter. You were one of the best I've worked with. Have yur peeps call my peeps, bro
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ReplyDeleteWhat happened at the crystal palace today with Dick-less restructure of the corporate staff?
ReplyDeleteWho lost jobs at Reno? I understand it's over, but haven't seen anything here.
ReplyDeleteThe Advertiser Network in Carroll Ohio (outside of Lancaster) is having their print facility shut down in Feb. 2009. Almost 50 employees affected. This print plant was just acquired last year now they are shutting it down?!? Doesn't make sense. This is over 2/3 of the staff in the building. Two management positions eliminated (heard one was volunteer). What next...they won't keep the building open for about 20 employees in Feb. I'm sure the rest will be affected next round.
ReplyDeleteanon 9:36 has a good point. Editors across the nation need to get their hands off their wallets and place them on the vibe of their communities. Rise up against corporate. Somebody take a stand. Otherwise this will continue to spiral out of control.
ReplyDeleteReno:
ReplyDeleteCaren Baum - ADV voluntary - nice gal to sacrafice
Steve Fuzfa - ADV Excellent employee, stayed to finish his work. Probably a victim of balancing, had to throw in a male under 40.
Many in classified.
Dee Smith - Ad Director's Asst.
Tony Sousa - Adv
Robert Henson - IC Another excellent employee
Denise - Circ
A few of the 61. Reno's percentage seems to be much higher than other papers.
Anybody know who was let go in Sioux Falls?
ReplyDeleteToday was one of the most interesting days ever at the Courier News. Couldn't help but notice employees looking at other employees and mumbling "Holy shit! You survived the cuts!" How or why they kept the M.E. no one knows. With the exception of one Adv. Rep. who came from the HNT anyway, the dead wood lives on...but they'll all be at the HNT soon anyway!
ReplyDeleteArizona updates:
ReplyDeletePhoenix New Times
The Zonie Report
Tucson Weekly (Tucson) I Tucson Weekly (Phoenix)
AP
As someone left standing in Poughkeepsie after today's layoff free-fall, a sad observation:
ReplyDeleteI witnessed an estimated 85 years worth of journalism experience walk by my desk as they went to formally accept the buyouts they had volunteered for.
And that was only three people.
Others took buyouts as well.
I don't know which is more disheartening.
The fact that these layoffs took place.
Or that so many good people were apparently left so disenchanted by today's journalistic realities that they opted to leave, rather than at least trying to remain in the profession they loved so much.
Newspapers.
To steal something I read elsewhere:
They don't love you back.
Ain't it grand to see how well the Courier News and Home News people play with each other? Oh, but to be in that newsroom when everyone is combined. What fun will ensue!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the word for Salem? Hopefully, the staff in still intact!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know if newsroom folks at Greenville were cut, and if so who? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Gannett News Service? Will it be closed off? Anyone got good intelligence on that? Know a coupla peeps working there ...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete10:18
ReplyDeleteSalem lost 12 today, 8 volunteered. We are all sad for our losses. Lots of talent leaving us. Our publisher was VERY empathetic and visibly disturbed by what we have all had to go through this past month.
Just saw the Manitowoc number posted but saw no mention in any of the comment threads. Anyone know more?
ReplyDeleteThe Tennessean laid off its Vice President of Online and is dissolving its online unit in February.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes: read these comments on a Journal News high school wrestling blog written by sports fans who just found out that popular sportswriter Tony Pinciaro got the axe. What a tribute to a great guy, who, like everyone else who got laid off yesterday, deserved much better. Read the comments here and the read the sports editor's pathetic response.
ReplyDeletehttp://takedowns.lohudblogs.com/2008/12/01/first-week-matches/#comments
Wilmington DE-
ReplyDeletemore today
Retail Ad Director
2 Design&Support
4 sales assistants
2 Marketing
23 is the total headcount of casualties at HNT-CN, East Brunswick/Bridgewater. Skip only used part of his hitlist for this round.
ReplyDeleteJim, you should think carefully about banning any posters. However, the sideshow that has erupted around the emergence of a new contributor today is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteYou've clearly asked for comments to "avoid personal attacks" and to "keep comments sharply focused on Gannett."
I hope you review this commenter's obsessive rants with this in mind and take appropriate action.
Thanks for listening.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletetomorrow will be my last day at the indianapolis star. i started there the week before bobby kennedy was killed (just to give some historic perspective).
ReplyDelete"high tech" was switching from coffee mugs of wallpapr paste to rubber cement to paste "takes" of stories together for editing with soft-leaded pencils. then they were run up to the composing room by copy boys and set in hot metal on linotypes.
many times, i was the only woman in the city room after 7:30 p.m. i worked nights for about 12 years with guys who took their time accepting a "girl" in their midst. but once they decided i knew my stuff, and wouldn't cry or be grossed out, i was ok with them.
then i got the chance to work days for a colorful character named charlie griffo, an old-school newsman who'd reported on fires, murders, the klan and a two-headed baby (whose picture was in his office).
the day that central newspapers (which owned the star, the arizona republic and several smaller papers) went public, charlie made a prophetic remark:
"well, kid, it's the beginning of the end. the bean-counters have taken over."
gannett bought the star in 2000 and proved him absolutely right.
i consider myself lucky -- i was at a point in my life where i could volunteer to leave rather than wait to be pushed out. i probably won't have to get another job if i live modestly (no holiday cruise for me); instead, i can reinvent myself as a better companion to my grandchild and perhaps eventually an esl tutor at her school.
so after 40 years, six months and four days at the star, i'm saying good luck to my departing colleagues and those who still have jobs, and -30- to my journalism career.
10:34,
ReplyDeleteThe Tennessean is not dissolving its online unit - where did you hear that?
10:40 PM
ReplyDeletethe very best to you always, dear. enjoy life to its fullest.
A partial toll at The Des Moines Register:
ReplyDeleteJuli Probasco-Sowers, reporter
Brian Duffy, editorial cartoonist
Conrad Schmidt, photographer
Rand Witke, copy editor
A videographer in sports
I second the request for information about Dickeys meeting at corporate today. Has anyone heard anything, or better still can someone who was at the meeting fill us in on what the great Oz said and plans?
ReplyDeleteAh come on. Leave him alone. Can't you see how pathetic he is?
ReplyDelete10:40. beautiful post. I am proud to be of the same tradition and sorry to see newspapers get to a point where you and your perspective are considered expendable.
ReplyDeleteEllen:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your recollection and synopsis; thank you for your words. Good luck and long life, and know that you had a full, rich and storied career.
10:38pm
ReplyDeleteDear Skip: please o please get rid of the rest of the HNT staff so that a real newspaper can show you how great it could be. And don't forget to give your gals (and I use that term loosely) more pay for a job well done!
The woman at the Indianopolis papaer was right in her assessment - 200 was the beginning of the end for real journalism there when Gannett beancounters took over. Of COURSE we all want a profitable product - and we HAVE them in all the papers that laid people off today - THAT"S RIGHT.
ReplyDeleteAll the paper laying off people today were making double digit profits - but not enough profits for Gannett.
How sad.
What will be left at these papers are a bunch of clueless J-School grads who don't know squat about the town they are in, have no perspective, have no concept of a "nut graf" and less desire to serve the community.
Wow! Will circulation skyrocket at Gannett newspapers in America now.... just watch the nosedive, folks.
If Gannett thinks the way to profitability is to cut expenses, then it has learned nothing of models set by Microsoft, Nike and others.
"He who worries about the next fiscal quarter's profits is a fool. he who worries and plans now for the quarterly fiscal profits 10 years from now is a genius."
Apparently.... no genius material in McClain.
Warning Will Robinson...
ReplyDeleteThe non-journo world is about to descend on this journalism gathering spot as posts of this blog URL hit the bottoms of layoff stories. The fury of haters that have hung around Pluck forum boards may pounce and confuse. Jim, are you really ready to handle the workload of what the next few days will continue to hold?
Anyone in Des Moines know if Duffy was a volunteer, or did this come as a surprise. The Register used to pride itself on a century-old tradition of front-page editorial cartoons, so is that tradition being canned, or is there a new cartoonist?
ReplyDeleteGrapevine says Duffy was not voluntary... as there was quite a bit of fanfare at his departure.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LORD ENOUGH ALREADY!!! Grow up people!
ReplyDelete...fanfare as in he spoke his mind - not celebration
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about the 60 jobs lost at the Asheville printing facility last week, to take effect the first of the year. Whole operation shut down. 7-10 of those 60 got jobs in Greenville, SC where the Asheville paper will be printed starting Jan. 1. That brings the total to approx. 66-69 jobs lost in Asheville.
ReplyDeleteFrom GreenvilleOnline (Greenville News in Greenville, SC):'GREER -- This city has laid off three employees and has frozen new hires of three police officers and three firefighters, according to Mayor Rick Danner.' The story is about the layoffs in a neighboring town. According to this blog the Grenville News has let go 36 of its employees in the current mass layoff. Have not seen as yet a story about the paper's own layoff -- online. Maybe tomorrow's paper will have the story....
ReplyDeleteDitto 11:41 PM's request.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen a list of those laid off by title and age (not names) as described in the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act?
ReplyDeleteHere's an article:
www.bullivant.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=1206
Hey all. I am a former Gannettoid who thankfully quit and found a job teaching. May I ask what is a nutcase mom blog? I am guessing it has something to do with these HORRIBLE mom sites that Gannett is shoving down peoples throats. Is that right?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have names for Honolulu?
ReplyDeleteAs for going on strike, that's pretty funny considering the papers like Cinci and Lansing that decerted the Guild. Any regrets about that?
ReplyDeleteBurlington
ReplyDeleteCirc 2 (one with 30 years)
Info 3 (two with 30+ years)
Ads 2 (both fairly new)
2 additional cuts still unknown
Ellen at 10:40-With employees of your calibre one can see why the Indy Star has been such a good paper. Thanks for your dedication to being a journalist and Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteOn Des Moines, is there an account anywhere of Duffy's farewell fanfare.? Could you post a link?
ReplyDeleteI can't swear by this C-P tally but it's close for the newsroom only: either 22 or 24 (still unclear), total in company 51.
ReplyDeletenewsroom:
ME
Assistant Metro editor (voluntary)
Two nightside copy editors
One designer
one graphic artist
One features copy editor/food editor
Four reporters (one voluntary)
Three pro sports writers/columnists
Two data entry clerks
One online updater
One op-ed writer
One biz editor/writer
One admin. assistant
One sports copy editor
????
EVERYONE please read Jim's comment above where you type your blog comment. It might help things around here. Just let it go!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone 40 and older ask for that list of lay offs by title and age?
ReplyDeleteEnough with the list of folks over 40. Go back to law school you dolts. It doesn't apply to this situation. Damn for a bunch of journalists you don't do your homework.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, Steve Smith is an exceptional editor. He got fired for not drinking the kool aid the owners make everyone drink in Coloradao Springs. He left Spokane because he refused to continue to eliminate jobs in the newsroom. Once again for a bunch of journalists you don't seem to do much besides whine!
Cherry Hill lost 59 and 25 of those were on the editorial side. . .
ReplyDelete1) all / some else being equal, does gannett tend to lay off based on seniority?
ReplyDelete2) is there a rumored next round of layoffs this winter across the board?? or at all?
anon 12:23 a.m.: Cherry Hill lost 59 out of an estimated 475 to 500 employees, according to the publisher. At a 1 p.m. meeting today, he said 22 of those were from editorial.
ReplyDeleteSide note: I first heard the 59 number from the guy behind the counter at Joe's Pizza today. 45 minutes later, i found out he was dead on.
Kris Sykes is that you?
ReplyDeleteYes, I have a name for Honolulu, after 36 years...........................................(drum roll...................................................Anne Harpham,
To the poster who goes by the name RKNIL: You are no longer welcome on this blog because you have abused your privileges. As a result, I have deleted all your comments from this string. Please do not come back.
ReplyDeleteTo everyone else: Abusive posters can destroy blogs, message boards and other online forums. I choose to allow anonymous commenting because of this blog's sensitive topics. The best way to deal with abusive posters is to deny them the attention they crave. Please, IGNORE them!
RE: LANSING
ReplyDeleteNOISE killed NOISE, not the AD. In the past 2 months, the editor was on the cover of NOISE more times than anything else. You cannot sell advertising on a publication where the same face keeps showing up on the cover with the bland stories. Emily- I will miss your blog (Quarterlife Crisis).
Losing the retail manager is sad, but why do you need a manager to manage the managers? It seems like a the right position to trim. That said, the AD is one thing, but the RM was sorta bipolar. Nice one moment when she needed something from you and angry the next when you were no use for her.
For those of you wondering about age, in the Advertising Department everyone was cut from Classified and Retail that was not management based on senority. Some rational thought was put into it instead of playing favorites.
Good for you Jim. That was the right call.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to someone's earlier question, CP at HNT was not voluntary, but he is legendary and not in the usual Gannett sense of the word. He is well regarded well beyond both newsrooms, and he will land someplace where he is appreciated for his smarts, good heart, journalistic integrity, great writing and ethics.
ReplyDeleteJim, can I just ask that you replace that photo with one in which you're actually wearing a shirt? I don't really know what you're going for with that. I mean, it's puzzling. It's just a head shot but you're clearly not wearing a shirt, unless it has the widest, most relaxed collar ever.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, why aren't you wearing a shirt? It's a blog about Gannett. If it was a personal blog about your search for love or a surfing blog I could understand the picture in which you're just wearing a mustache. But under the circumstances it really bothers me. Am I alone on this?
I am one of the lucky ones from The Tennessean in Nashville that got laid off. Seemed kind of weird that they would lay off the manager of the only department that had a 20% profit for the whole company. But I do understand the overall picture and am not upset.
ReplyDeleteBut being that there were 2 supervisors in the department I had to question why they chose me. Well after carefully breaking it down I surmised it to be 1 of 2 things. Either monetary, as I made a bit more than the other supervisor or it was solely personal. I tend to lean towards the latter, knowing who was making the decisions for the department.
I am interested to see how the department fares in the next 6 months, knowing what I know.
Day One of Unemployment. I haven't been unemployed since I was 13....I'm 41! I've been afraid of Gannett since the day they purchased our magazine and then removed me from the product. (Art Director for 10 years.)
ReplyDeleteI loved working for the Arizona Republic, but it's been 24 hours since I got the "script" read to me and am feeling a little relief. The eye twitch is gone, the shoulders feel better....maybe it's just the wine, i don't know.
I gave my all to my position as the Artist Training and Integration Specialist (what a fancy title, huh?)
But I also watched it munch up a lot of very good people.
All I can ask myself is, "what now?"
" Kris said...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have names for Honolulu?
12/03/2008 11:52 PM"
Kris Sykes, it that you? YES! One of the is Anne Harpham-after 36 years there.
Any word about Detroit layoffs?
ReplyDelete