Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday | March 20 | Your News & Comments
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69 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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I can't wait to see what bombs (if any) get dropped today. I don't have any inside info - it just seems that every day brings a new level of lowness from GCI... (and not just the stock price...)
ReplyDeleteWhen were furloughs announced? Would they likely make any similar Q2 announcements at the same amount of time into the quarter?
ReplyDeleteThe first furloughs were annouced just after the 2008 4th quarter revenue was released, either the 3 or fourth week of Jan 2009. Final revenues for the 1st quarter 2009 are not due until April 20th. However, this was so stupid to wait to make the announcement that late because it really only gave everyone 2 months to schedule their weeks.
ReplyDelete1:55. The announcement was initially made on January 14. (A Wednesday)
ReplyDeleteEliminating production jobs? Is Gannett still outsourcing to India?
ReplyDeleteWonder what Obama will think of this.
I'm just catching up on reading this after a couple of weeks. Anyone have some facts to back up that 10 people were let go from the St. Cloud Times?
ReplyDeleteFor laid off employees -- in case you missed this:
ReplyDelete, Under economic stimulus legislation signed into law last month by President Barack Obama, involuntarily terminated employees must pay only 35 percent of the COBRA premium and the federal government will pick up the remaining 65 percent. The subsidies are available up to nine months, until a terminated employee is eligible for coverage from a new employer or from Medicare.
If you haven't been notified, call your former HR dept or state labor dept.
With $500 million in debt coming up for retirement in the summer they have to furlough everyone again don't they? Maybe eliminate the 401k contribution. If they aren't going to try and drive revenue then what are their options? Commercial Buildings aren't selling. they can't issue more stock, they can't roll over the debt.
ReplyDeleteWe once had an editor who said that we would no longer be the paper of record for our market (because there were so many other sources people could get information from).
ReplyDeleteSo things started getting cut from our paper - baseball, football, basketball and hockey notes from around their prospective leagues and the like.
Having been pushed out of my comfort zone of pretty much being able to get all the information I needed from my paper, I started surfing around the web.
Since then I've found great sources for my baseball news, business news, foreign affairs, national news, even stuff going on around the state.
I really don't need to see my hometown paper any more except to see which will show up first in the obituaries - mine or my newspaper's.
I should be happy on this the first day of Spring but it's hard when one watches the newspaper business drag a sharpened knife across its own throat.
so where's the know-it-all who said there would be an announcement wednesday? Jim, has anyone given you credible information about what's going to happen? here's an idea--if you don't know, stop spreading rumors. this situation is bad enough.
ReplyDeleteI never know anymore if there are just no comments? Or if Jim has decided to take a leisurely brunch...
ReplyDeleteOh, fie on you trolls for forcing his moderating hand!
A few days ago someone posted that an ex-Gannett broke person should have a vigorous discussion with Dubow, Martore & Dickey et al about their PERFORMANCE vs PAY. (I really Love Dickey's $249,000 compensation for the LOSS of Value on his home).
ReplyDeleteI hope the poster meant "Vigorous Discussion" along the lines of Hannibal Lechter's conversational methods.
There is a copy desk in Mansfield that does that paper and Bucyrus' pages. Marion is only 40 miles away. That will be absorbed into the Mansfield operation.
ReplyDeleteIt only makes sense. Marion has about 3-4 copy editors.
Once consolidation starts, there's no going back.
there's a posting for an Executive Editor in Shreveport, LA that's new on careerbuilder this morning
ReplyDelete10:31 If you don't think Dickey's talk at the investor's conference Weds wasn't a huge announcement, then I can't help you.
ReplyDelete10:36 ...... So, an incompetent management in Mansfield will now be given even greater opportunity to screw up another paper? Wow, that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteA universal copy desk only makes sense if that desk is well-managed AND sensitive to the needs of the LOCAL community. 40 miles is 40 miles... it is not next door.
Mansfield's terrible reputation in management, and the huge drop in circulation, should be a lesson in why keeping bad management for years and years isn't productive.
Taking more people away from the LOCAL product just makes the newspaper more cold and isolated.
Even a newspaper company with GOOD intentions to consolidate copy desks for greater efficiency runs the risk of mistakes by ignorance and an even shorter deadline period at night.
With a newspaper company as aweful as Gannett, you just know that the "consolidated" desk will just be adding work to the existing desk with only lip service to bringing over from the copy edits from the other papers. You know they won't make that kind of drive day in and day out. And worse, they would then be reporting to the ME at Mansfield - a fate worse than death.
Having just read the latest edition of NewsWatch, I now hereby give up all hope of Kate Marymont being a champion of journalism within the Gannett corporate hierarchy.
ReplyDeleteMarymont spouts a litany of imaginary journalistic accomplishments and unrealistic journalistic goals.
It is disappointing, even disgusting.
I have not been on since I found out I was losing my job in Fort Collins. People were being immature and I just could not take it at that time. I would like to point out that the number of people losing their job at this sight is innacurate. Yes 48 employees are losing their jobs. Lets not forget the carriers. Well over 100 people are losing their jobs.
ReplyDeleteI would just like to say to all that read this blog from FC that I have enjoyed working with you. Carriers, production, and circ. Thank you all for being a wonderful team and for working your butt off everyday. We have stuck together through thick and thin. Good weather, blizzards, and outdated, always broken machinery! We always found a way to get our tiny paper out everyday.
Thank tou for your time and effort.
I wish every last one of you the best of luck making it in these hard times.
Facts:
ReplyDelete* Furloughs on Monday to be announced.
* Salary reductions
* Layoffs next quarter
there was a recent discussion on whether or not violent comments were ever placed on this blog. 10:35 is another case in point showing that they are. apparently they are also approved of by the moderator of this blog which approved the post and made it available in the comments section.
ReplyDeleteNo one should really blame a multi-national entity for moving work to markets were their products are being sold and/or where they are going to expand into.
ReplyDeleteBut, Gannett's actions are at the heart of what's truly wrong as it is flatout outsourcing work to save money. They'll never enter those countries where the work is being done, ever.
And, for that, they should be taxed dearly.
11:19
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to lie, be smarter about it. You always start with "facts:" Because of that we know who you are and can't trust you. Take my advice, you have to vary yourself. Start of next time:
Oh, my God. I just overheard there will be furloughs announced on Monday. My boss saw I heard it and told me to please keep my mouth shut. I cannot. I also heard Gannett is going to consolidate a lot of copy editing jobs this summer and, here is the big one, they are going to reduce EVERYBODY's pay that is not in the union and there will be at least 1,000 layoffs!
OK 11:19, that is how it is done. Get into it to scare people!
11:19-
ReplyDeletewhere are you at? are you the same person who said there would be an announcement the 18th? give us more info!!
unless you can give Jim the info to verify this, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU.
11:30 am: That "Hannibal Lecter" comment is within bounds.
ReplyDeleteThe "Hannibal Lecter" comment is also funny. It's still okay to have a sense of humor, you know.
ReplyDeleteIt puts the lotion on its skin, or...
Couldn't have said it any better myself:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/99999999/NEWS01/80128028&theme=INNOVATORS&template=INNOVATORS
The rumors have to be true about Layoffs, Furloughs, and other cuts. The $875k Question is WHEN will they be annouced to the current FTE's.
ReplyDeleteDear "my boss said" FIND ANOTHER BLOG! There are still individuals that will be on furlough next week (Monday) including Publishers and other OC members. Oh, and since you are not a Gannett employee that stands for something other than Orange County. Granted we can expect future bad news but not on Monday and not from you or your "BOSS".
ReplyDeleteFYI
ReplyDeleteThe Gannett-related sites on your blog for
Ruth Holladay (Indianapolis) has
"This Account Has been Suspended"
when you click on it.
Thank you for that reminder, 1:41 pm: Ruth told me this morning that her site suffered major problems, and crashed. She hopes to have it back up soon.
ReplyDeleteDear Jim & 12:06....Thank you. I try to push the envelope with my humorous and somtimes macabre take on our circumstances. Sometimes I'm out of line.....I give in to the Dark Side, and thank goodness reels me in.
ReplyDeleteTo 11:30, I am not advocating violence. I am simply trying make people think of the amount of REAL PAIN the clueless-incompetent-elitists running/robbing Gannett are INFLICTING. And -by referencing Lechter- I meant to subtly transmit a little our our "Anxiety" to the Crytal Palace.
One thing to ponder, and I am not speaking for myself, I'm simply to some mathematically calculations (personally, I'm not that angry anymore---waste of emotional capital-- I'm to the point where I'll move on to a new life after my lay-off).
With 41,000 of us left, and 4,000 on laid-off and some losing serverence and the last of their unemployment checks, statistically there are a couple of people "On the Edge" that may, do something stupid and violent. We, as friends, current & former co-workers and family must be vigilant and look out for people who may "SNAP."
People -all over the world- who have lost their jobs, feel isolated, broke, lost hope of career, losing homes, etc are behaving irratically & violently. Do a Google search.
All the best...I'll try to post more funny stuff to lighten our moods.
On St. Patricks Day, I posted about how when Dubow took over in July-2005 at my Pub I could afford to buy 36 16oz Beers with ONE SHARE of GANNETT and that on St. Patricks I could only Buy ONE BEER with ONE SHARE og GANNETT. I noted my Pub owner keep the price at $2.00 all this time.
ReplyDeleteHe just bought new flat screen TVs and the Price is $2.50.....no more 16oz Beers. I'll have to switch to $1.25 12oz Mugs.
I'm sure someone's already posted this, but FWIW ...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/12/business/20090312-papers-graphic.html
I work in Des Moines and just saw a couple of guys in advertising get busted for watching the tournament on their computers. They walked them out the door. Not a fun way to start your weekend.
ReplyDeleteJim, have you seen this post?
ReplyDeletehttp://xark.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/news-futures-a-whats-next-overview.html
RE: 11:07's comment.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. From the following comments, it appears Marymont's been held captive in a corporate jargon conference since her elevation to higher office. What in heavens name are we to make of this:
"A printed page is a wonderful way to share beautiful storytelling, through words and photos.
Despite the prophesies of others, we do not believe the daily newspaper is in the last stage of death.
But, to keep the newspaper alive we must ensure that readers and advertisers want something that only it offers. That requires focus, which requires time and energy. Both are stretched by our large portfolio of print and digital products.
To address that, we have undertaken two large projects:
First, we in Community Publishing are working closely with the Digital Division to review the content that is most effective for digital readers vs. print readers. We are studying metrics to determine what kind of video does – and does not – work. What data should we push to provide, and is there some that we don’t need as urgently?
What stories in print could be burnished and given special value each day, and which could be briefed or skipped in order to focus on developing quality in others?"
Can someone translate that drivel?
@2:34 - What don't you understand? Resources are limited, let's make sure that we use the resources to make the print and digital products the best they can be and appropriate for the audience. You may have an issue with the ability to perform but the concept, as written in your post, is pretty simple.
ReplyDeleteto 2:34 p.m., that's lingo for trying to micromanage what types of stories appear where. It is being played out on the local level in Phoenix, for example, where Republic community editions try to make their print stories match ONLY what they think most of their readers are interested based on "lifestages". So, it's just a bit less evil than it sounds. Big breaking news is still big breaking news, in print or on the web. But in print, for example, schools coverage may look different in a community dominated by empty-nesters and retirees than it does in a community filled with families with young children, even though both may actually have the same number of students in their school districts.
ReplyDelete2:17,
ReplyDeleteQuite a number of people in GCI Corporate have been getting away with this for years, whether it be basketball, tennis, whatever. The department managers could care less.
2:17
ReplyDeleteManagement was just looking for an excuse to let these reps go.
Misappropriation or improper use of company resources. No severance pay or extended benefits. I expect to see more of this.
ReplyDeleteDoes Gannett have a policy on watching the tournament on your computer?????
ReplyDeleteFacts (confirmed):
ReplyDelete* Absolutely confirmed furloughs to be announced on Monday
* There will be a salary cut that will be equivalent to one week in lost wages!!!
* Kate M. and Tara C. have been bitterly fighting over Content One. Apparently, Craig Dubow is backing Tara C over Kate M
I will laugh myself silly over more furloughs. We're dropping balls all over the place as it is, trying to make do with too few bodies. Second quarter should be very interesting.
ReplyDelete2:28, fascinating read. One of the things I'm wondering is how low-income people are going to get their news. Daily papers are still a relative bargain. Computers with monthly connection bills, cell phones with data plans and gadgets like Kindle are all out of the question for many. Is this new media going to leave them in the dust? Will television and radio be their only option?
ReplyDelete4:10, Um, yeah. . . chewing up internet bandwidth, perhaps installing unauthorized software? "What's this? A virus?" (Sorry. . .I'm a geek)
ReplyDeleteIf "My Boss 4:22" is correct in saying that Tara Connell and Kate Marymont have been engaging in bitter in-fighting over control of ContentOne, then perhaps Marymont's NewsWatch drivel this week is an attempt to convince Dubow that she's a true corporate soldier.
ReplyDeleteAnd here some of us had been hoping that she would uphold the traditions of journalism, even if it were a futile battle in the realm of today's GCI...
@4:37 - There's no policy that says you can't watch the tournament. We are newspaper organization. Why would restricting access to the new make any sense. Just not going to happen.
ReplyDeleteThe irony of it all -
ReplyDeleteAd reps get fired for personal use of a computer, yet HRH Dubow is allowed personal use of a company owned aircraft.
Kate, if you're reading this, Tara doesn't hold a candle to you. I hope everything goes in your favor.
ReplyDeleteKate Marymont sold out years ago.
ReplyDeleteShe's not the same journalist that some on this blog, including Jim, remember her to have been once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.
My Boss is only partly right.
ReplyDeleteWill post details later.
"My Boss" seem legit. He (or she) is correct about Kate and Tara fighting. I heard that Tara recently got grilled by the GMC. Apparently Dubow likes Tara over Kate.
ReplyDeleteUSA Today shuts down Hong Kong bureau, stops covering Secretary of State trips, and loses health reporter as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/no_20090319_3231.php
5:05- you obviously don't know the real Connell.
ReplyDelete4:10 PM: Gannett (or maybe it was just my former site) has a (I believe) vague internet policy. It doesn't forbid employees from using the internet but says it can't interfere with work. They could technically fire anyone for using the internet by saying it interfered with their work. They likely won't be able to fight unemployment though.
ReplyDeleteEach site may have a separate policy though, I'm not sure on that.
Reply to 6:02 -- 5:05's comment was about Marymont, not Connell. What do you mean?
ReplyDeleteUnless they were looking at pornography, there is no way that Gannett would let two ad reps go for just looking at the internet.
ReplyDeleteB.S. MY Boss. LOL. You are so full of it. Furloughs, yes, they are likely, but pay cuts. That I seriously doubt. There are a lot of union shops and that would have to got through them first and it would be months before we see a vote on that and it is doubtful not more than a 5% cut would be accepted at most places. Now management paycuts... hmmm. that would be a nice sight!
ReplyDeleteWhat is this a teaser campaign! Spill.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
My Boss is only partly right.
Will post details later.
3/20/2009 5:24 PM
Kris,
ReplyDeleteYour question regarding low-income readers is important.
Admist all the talk about new technologies replacing print media, the question of how to reach out to low-income consumers is not being asked.
Not everyone can afford a blazing-fast broadband connection, nor a quality computer to use that connection with, much less an iPhone, Blackberry, or a Kindle.
There is also the moral question of how to provide quality news coverage to low-income consumers as the industry morphs into whatever it's going to morph into 10 years down the road.
Someone who cares about this is going to have to come up with a business model that makes good money reaching low-income consumers with quality news coverage, because money more than ever is going to drive the media train going forward.
Citizen gets stay through 3/27:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/112585.php
If contentjuan sux then who gives a care whether Tara or Kate is in charge of it?
ReplyDeleteLow income people will get plenty of news with the 6 billion dollars Obama has allotted for DTV conversion boxes. Gotta take care of the people that elected you....Damn I have to go pay my mortgage now...And how does an ad rep claim watching the tournament is work related, last time I checked they had nothing to do with news....Obama will come in nice and clear on Leno with my government paid for box, yeah!
ReplyDeleteIf Gannett is letting ad reps go for looking at the internet while at work then a good percentage of the staff in the ad department at courierpost will soon be gone.
ReplyDelete3/20/2009 2:17 PM
ReplyDeleteHey...where I work, they just blocked it so we couldn't watch.
They actually canned people for watching?
My Boss is right, furloughs coming Monday, but no pay cuts. There's more that will make some people on this board happy.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if our ad reps were out selling (or attempting to sell) rather than watching a game at thier desks, the company as a whole would be better off. The fact that folks think that this is ok only illustrates why we are in trouble. If everyone would just do thier jobs rather than bitching about them we would all be better off. All of you Ads and newsies need to put some of the effrot that you are putting into whining into trying to make things better. Note, I am on my own time posting this......Not wasting company time
ReplyDelete!0.28 Where the heck were you for the past 8 years complaining about the bush years how he raped the middle class and let the rich have their way? Shame on you and Gannett for believeing that greed has a unlimited border. That is ,never no time, nor resposiblity, when someone is actually going to have to pay for no regulation to let rich people rape the poor.............credit cards 30% interest? Hedge funds with mortgages that have people not being able to pay the loans back ?George didn't know what was going on? Take a deep breath please, and take your big friggin head out of your staunch republican ass! Hooray you blinder people lost the election! And hooray Gannett is going to have to be responsable.............finally! Go bankrupt you friggin crooks!
ReplyDelete