Updated at 6:56 p.m. PT: A reader says in a new comment, below: "'Low-level managers' is not really correct, at least not in the newsroom. Those who are called 'content managers' or 'platform managers' in the IC are included. In other words, the people who really put out the paper while the higher-ups work 9-5 and the editor keeps adding to the management layers. The buyout stinks, in terms of what is being offered."Updated at 9:31 a.m PT: In an e-mail, a reader says: "The staff changes you mention today at the Republic are all low-level managers, 36 total, all buyouts."
Earlier: I've been getting e-mail and comments recently, describing whispers among employees about staffing changes afoot in Phoenix. What can you tell us? Please leave a note, in the comments section, below. From a non-work computer, use this link to e-mail your reply confidentially; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the green sidebar, upper right.
Reasons to be skittish
The Arizona Republic alone employs more than 2,600, making it one of Gannett's biggest worksites outside McLean, Va., home to Corporate and to USA Today. Plus, KPNX-TV in Phoenix employs another 200 or so. All those employees might have been able to hide from Chief Financial Officer Gracia Martore during flush times. But the once-booming Phoenix economy has cooled in the real estate slump. The Republic has become a drag on GCI's revenue and earnings -- along with newspapers in other similarly affected markets in California, Nevada and Florida.
Thanks, Ops!
In addition to the Republic and KPNX, there's something I believe called the Phoenix Operations Center. It occasionally handled our technology problems at USA Today's San Francisco Bureau. (Confidentially: I am so sorry about those times I called for help before first checking to see if my caps lock key was on.)
[Image: this morning's Republic, Newseum]
Griewe was moved to Ohio. Who became the new VP of Advertising?
ReplyDeleteNothing has been heard from Bob
Dickey...the silent treatment.
And did they serve big shrimp cocktail at SCJ's farewell? Did Janet appear to say best wishes?
Peter Ricker was hired back in Advertising.
ReplyDeleteGod save the Queen.
ReplyDeleteWere these buyouts announced suddenly, or is this something that's been cooking for a while now? Also, have staffing levels in Phoenix been declining for a while now (jobs left unfilled, department consolidation, etc) or are they still fairly well-staffed? Curious - and nervous - Gannett staffers are nervous!
ReplyDelete"Low-level managers" is not really correct, at least not in the newsroom. Those who are called "content managers" or "platform managers" in the IC are included. In other words, the people who really put out the paper while the higher-ups work 9-5 and the editor keeps adding to the management layers. The buyout stinks, in terms of what is being offered. And, everyone targeted is OVER 50. Can you say age discrimination lawsuit?
ReplyDeleteAt least be glad they are offering buyouts. When I left The Enquirer, there were twelve Managers/Directors ages 40+ making $60k plus that were either run out or fired in a 90 day period. The publisher specializes in giving heart attacks and nervous breakdowns with her incessant terror tactics. After reading some of these stories, one must question why anyone would want to work for Gannett.
ReplyDeletewho says anyone WANTS to work for gannett? the 206th editorial/photo/library employee to leave since gannett bought the indy star was announced today.
ReplyDeleteseveral were the bright recent grads brought in to do a free weekly that started off big and gradually fizzled.
but not everyone can yank up their families and move on, or there would be nobody left but the people who've clawed their way up the corporate ladder.
great post
ReplyDelete