Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Tuesday | Your Layoff News and Comments

Real Time Comments open is parked here, 24/7. (Earlier editions.)

Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write gannettblog[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the green rail, upper right.

67 comments:

  1. This is Part 2 of today's Real Time Comments. For Part 1, please go here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Consolidation at Gannett simply means moving underperforming local entities to a place far, far away and staff with fewer people without the local knowledge and interest and announce this concept will work better. Does all this remind you of the concept of jumping out of an airplane while each time shrinking the size of the parachute by one inch until you can fly?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Email From Publisher Des Moines IA
    Date sent 7-1-01
    To: All Des Moines Register employees


    From: Laura L. Hollingsworth




    Today, Bob Dickey, President of Gannett’s U.S. Community Publishing division, is announcing impending job reductions across our division of the company by July 9. In his announcement which I’ve attached, he cites the continuing advertising and economic climates as factors. Across the division, he states that 1400 employees will be impacted by this reduction. He also announces that furlough requirements have ended for employees for 2009.



    At this time I am working through local impact for The Des Moines Register and our affiliates. I can tell you I am certain we will be affected, but have no firm details. Our number one priority as we work through this process locally will be to update and communicate openly with our employees--first, and as soon as possible. We will not be making any job elimination notifications this week. That said, we will complete any discussions with affected employees no later than July 9th.



    I understand that this is an unsettling and unhappy time for us all. Please continue to support each other and let me know if there is any way we can better support you. I am available at any point for discussion, question, or conversation with anyone interested. Certainly our department executives and our Human Resources team are available, too.



    I appreciate each of you. LH




    ...I suspect the blood bath will start tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Is there speculation that Cherry Hill publisher will put his water boy, Tom in the ad director spot? Some feel it is feasible. Gee, Tom's not qualified for that job! Oh yeah, that means he is in the running. He trims one hell of a shrub and kisses one hell of a (publisher's ass). And regarding seeing the former ME in the building today...maybe she's going to replace the EE who is a complete moron. The beat just goes on and on in this place. We're all still waiting and hoping that there's a massive house cleaning in retail advertising especially the "middle management" school kids the now former AD brought in along with the classifid manager who got the job because the former AD didn't like the lady who was and is qualified to run classified (and auto sales). Stay tuned folks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jim said...

    "4. Did she not recognize the huge hole in the release: Her missing age."

    Better yet, Jim, check out Robin's LinkedIn Profile (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robin-pence/a/708/874).

    Where has she been since October 2008?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Plenty of managers read this blog. Please, if you know something, give a little head's up. We won't say it was you or how we knew. Just a little info about the timing or anything at all will do. We need some information.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jim:

    I agree with 4:52. Ward Bushee bailed as Editor at the right time in Phoenix. Randy Lovely took over a sinking ship and is surrounded by too many ---- kissers. Understand tomorrow's layoffs will include some suburban editors.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i bet joan got a job at the inquire.

    ReplyDelete
  9. i agree with anon 6:12. if anyone has any credible facts please share. i got a firm talking too taday for throwing around some possible scenarios in my department. BIG no no!! yet people wouldnt be throwing around scenarios if the facts were known and sometimes even if the knews means your next that in some ways will help a majority of the people with the stress and fear of the unknown. So please if you have info on the upcoming events. please help me sleep at night and maybe in turn your night might be filled with a well needed full nights sleep too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Pence is 49.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Layoffs: bring em on!

    ReplyDelete
  12. whats gonna happen to frenchie
    at the CP?

    hes a tool.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I noticed at the CP parking lot that most of parking spot name signs have been removed, particularly the EE's, the AD's and the Publisher's. It's funny to see the "Info Center Awardee" and "Retail Advertising of the Month"(?) parking spot name signs are still there.

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh and can someone clear something up for me? i thought thay were playing on words when they said division. isnt that just the newspapers? my first instince told me that that was a sugar coating towards the actual gannett layoff's (firings) am i wrong is our DIVISION all that gannett is in charge of or is the 1400 just for the newspaper publishing business??

    ReplyDelete
  15. how about the CCC what a bunch of idiots!!!!!!!!!! I have never in my life ever seen such a bad idea....they are clueless...and i mean clueless. I really think they went to a trailer park in Springfield and hired these worthless employees.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ANYONE? SOMEONE? FRIEND OF SOMEONE? Anyone know what depts will be affected at the Fort Myers paper? ANYTHING? HELP? :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. For the first time since I was laid off in December, I have a terrible tension headache, am finding it hard to breathe and can't stay away from the blog for more than an hour or so at a time. And I thought I had exorcised all of the Gannett demons out of me.

    A lot of it has has to do with the long, touchy-feely Sunday column the EE wrote a few weeks ago about how the paper was going to re-embrace community journalism, really get back to the local, local, etc. etc. When I read it I felt something was up. Now I know what. Seems like I remember reading here that other EEs penned similar columns across the country.

    The Emperor's New Clothes storyline is an oldie but goodie that still appears to be Gannett's favorite fairy tale. Just look at the release sent out for new corporate PR flak today.

    My best wishes to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  18. If all this layoff drama really gets to you, you're in the wrong business and definitely with the wrong company.
    This just going to go on and on. You might make it this time, but you'll be facing it again next quarter and the quarter after that.
    Do your self and your family a favor and find a new career.

    ReplyDelete
  19. All jokes aside, I find Pence's appointment very troubling. It appears Corporate is moving backward.

    How many people vetted this woman? Will she, too, report to Martore? How many candidates were considered? Was she the first choice?

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is insane. I come into work each morning wondering if this will be the day, halfheartedly making calls for stories I may or may not write. Productivity has to be at an all time low, as we all look around wondering if this will be it. Screw it. I work for the Star in Indy, and we have yet to hear a single word about how many will be laid off or when it will happen, except for that stupid ass note from "Bob." We just voted against a contract that called for 12 percent pay cuts, that would have ended arbitration for improperly laid off workers, that would have ended guild protection for just about everything, that would have offered zero job security in return, and I'm pretty sure would have required us all to give Gannett execs BJs, so we all pretty much think the hammer is coming down hard.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Heed 7:11's advice: Gannett as you know it could have 25,000, 10,000, or even 5,000 employes in just a few years. It has shed 14,000 since 2000, and the pace is quickening.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I agree with Jim on Pence. It is not as if Gannett could not find someone with media expertise in its ranks. So, why did they pick this partisan outsider with obviously Republican tendencies? It looks like Pence has done nothing since she left the power group AES last September, and her resume is not all that distinguished. It is all very curious.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What I cannot figure out is how NNCO can justify giving out raises to the IC and cut other people. Heads should start rolling tomorrow with the finale on Friday. I will bet you that the dead weight survives and the good employees get the heave ho.

    ReplyDelete
  24. What has she done to support and strengthen the First Amendment? What does she read? What has she written?What is her world view? A wedding announcement suggests a background of Eastern Seaboard exclusivity. Why did she want this job, now?

    ReplyDelete
  25. And now, how many editors will be reporting to Connell?

    ReplyDelete
  26. It would be great if someone could actually post some info about the layoffs such as when and who. I really don't care about any of the other crap. Someone give up dome info about The News-Press PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. ...and, as previous poster asked, what's she been doing since last year?

    ReplyDelete
  28. 7:19, i sympathize. i had hoped kane would be better than babs. silly me: all gci "leadership" comes out of the same warped mold.

    best wishes for finding something more gratifying to do than deal with the corporate scum. what a shame that the company is run by people who think readers are stupid sheep.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Springfield, MO layoffs coming Thursday

    ReplyDelete
  30. Just want to take a moment and ask you to reconsider, Jim. Sparky is numbero uno, of course, but can you pretty please, with a cherry on top, downsize and just post weekly? Pretty please? Me no likey Gannettoid. Appreciate the effort, but no likey.

    ReplyDelete
  31. For the record, I do not believe I've received a single comment from the hit squad for 24 hours. This is noteworthy.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Springfield layoffs Thursday? Does everyone have to wait until then? Why are they dragging this out?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Jim,
    Why is it noteworthy?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Noteworthy, as in noting it for the record, because I may want circle back to this date and time on my last day.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Logging off at 2:20 am, local time, where I live.

    ReplyDelete
  36. THANK YOU 7:30 The News-Press employees needs info!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks jim for all you do. It is greatly appreciated by all of us and we will miss you dearly.

    I do how ever think Gannettoid has done a great job and service to all of us.

    Thanks to both of you for telling us the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  38. At a time with such huge reductions in staff, the addition of the Pence position flies in the face of the message corporate is sending down which is we all need to be able to wear multiple hats and make due in these tough economic times. While sending this message they add a position at corporate?

    I think her first big communication will be on the 16th putting a spin of the announcement to Wall Street that Q2 sucked, management just fired over a thousand people, has no reason to think Q3 & 4 will be better given the YOY Presidential campaign ads of 2008, and while all the wonderful consolidations under way seem great, they will actually reduce the local viability of the paper and corporate has no what to do next plans. Morale is at an all time low, nobody trusts each other and corporate has yet to communicate how the events yet to unfold this week will effect the respective papers.

    Welcome aboard Robin!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Let's all say a prayer for our friends and coworkers whose lives will change tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hey East Coast people...any calls coming in tonight? Anxious on West Coast.

    ReplyDelete
  41. RE: 6:45
    The layoffs only apply to newspaper divisions, broadcast sites received paycuts...this is fact, confirmed by my friends in these other divisions

    ReplyDelete
  42. Cherry Hill: Tom isn't qualified? Compared to whom? He's more qualified than what was there.

    ReplyDelete
  43. To the poster in the first set of comments, re: Cherry Hill's old ME.
    She started her own communications company and has a contract with one of the county governments. That's probably why she was there.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Heard from a good source at Cincy that the bloodbath starts Wednesday and they intend to have it done by COB Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  45. 7:25 p.m. - You mention the NNCO Gannett gang in Ohio....

    So who has been named as the new "super (duper) editor" for all 10 Ohio papers? Has that been announced?

    I can think of several highly unworthy candidates from which Gannett will likely choose. They certainly wouldn't bring in someone from the outside with great, fresh non-Gannett ideas...

    So that leaves....???

    ReplyDelete
  46. I find it hard to believe that Gannett's corporate communications job wasn't filled from within. Tara herself is a former journalist, so its not like the company had to go outside and pay big $$$ to hire this woman - who doesn't appear to bring any news media specific expertise to the table.
    Hiring from within would have also saved considerable money on the corporate bottom line.

    Was anyone even considered internally? Surely, there are enough toadies at USA TODAY that would have been suitable Tara replacements.

    And just what did Gannett pay outside recruiting companies to line up Pence's supposed expertise?

    Unbelievable. Well not really, given the track record of Gannett corporate.

    ReplyDelete
  47. sometime this year, look for the board of directors to reward Gracia later in the year for stepping up to the throne and subbing for Dubow during his four month sabbatical. Of course, they'll ignore her total fiscal irresponsibility that has the company teetering toward Chapter 11.

    But hey, at least we have a new corporate flak to toot the corporate line!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Here's some of the stuff going on when Pence was at a metro DC computer firm called AMS. Article is from July 2006.


    Computer Consulting Firm reaches Settlement in False Claims Case
    The computer consulting firm that was accused of questionable billing practices by four employees in 1999 has reached an out-of-court settlement costing the company $1.53 million.

    According to the 11-page settlement filed in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, CGI-AMS Inc. continues to deny wrongdoing but agreed to pay to bring an end to the 4-year-old lawsuit. The computer vendor was known as American Management Systems when the suit was filed in 2002. It was acquired by CGI Group of Montreal in 2004.

    AMS was under contract to the Ohio Department of Human Services in 1997 to install a computer system that would help county caseworkers statewide spend less time on data-entry tasks and more time with people in need of benefits. It worked on the project through June 2002. But the four employees - Randall Smith, Michel Wilcox, Alice DeWeese and Ronald Wilinski - began complaining about what they considered false billings in the $95 million AMS contract. And because a federal grant was being used to pay for the work, the employees sued the company under provisions of the federal False Claims Act.

    ReplyDelete
  49. What does her political affiliation have to do with her job qualifications? Why are all you media types are liberal, if you support free speech, then accept all points of views and don't be so damn narrow minded with your damn stereotypes of Republicans. It's called hypocrisy. You should be fired for being so damn stupid.

    And what do her father's actions have to do with her from 23 years ago? OJ has a daughter is she blackballed from everyplace because of OJ?

    It's got just as much damn relevance as Jim's orientation to write this damn good blog.

    Jim keep up the good work for a few more days. All you hypocrites go to hell. And to Pence all I can say about you is you are dumb for taking a job like this. Haven't you ever seen the movie "Fun With Dick and Jane" if not you are Dick about a half hour in. I believe his title was the same as yours is.

    ReplyDelete
  50. This is from Gannettoid. Can we please give Parson, the respect he deserves here in honor of his father. This post just breaks my heart. He really needs our support!

    Re: POST LAYOFFS HERE

    Postby parson on Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:25 pm
    Palm Springs.... I'm number one of the July 9 layoffs here. Can't say how many others will be layed off. I notified management that I had to fly home on Thursday the 9th because my father is passing. That created a dilema evidently because I wouldn't be there on the 9th. They told me later in the day (today) that I was being let go.The timing sucks. But I really don't have hard feelings towards the company. I know I would have a hard time picking who goes and who stays. My feeling is that it's the right time to leave this industry.

    What I've read so far online about the severance or transitional pay is correct. They are outsourcing it to Total Management Solutions. Transitional Pay is only paid if you are eligible to receive state unemployment benefits. You must verify your eligibility for this on a weekly basis.

    I did cancel my subscription to The Desert Sun once I got home today. I get my news online anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Logging off 12:02am EST in NJ, where I live and perhaps still will be working whne I start my shift at 10am. Let you know... Till then.

    ReplyDelete
  52. A PBS expose says that America's five top publicly traded newspaper companies, including Gannett, had 2008 profits that were higher than their 20-year average. But they're closing papers and laying off staffers. Why? http://www.pbs.org/wnet/expose/2009/06/the-withering-watchdog.html

    ReplyDelete
  53. Don't forget to get up before 5 a.m. so you don't miss:

    4:56 on
    7-8-(0)9!!

    NOW - back to the layoffs!

    (C'mon Jim! It's worth sharing!)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm not sure I understand what relevance Robin Pence's age has to her suitability? Hasn't a big point been made over the last year, that people with experience are what Gannett needs? I'm also not sure why a head flack needs to have a background in the 1st amendment or be a journalist by trade.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Jim, you should call 'em:
    https://www.subpay.com/contact_tms.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm writing on my iPhone, so can't do much. If this is true, Corporate has sunk to a low I did not think possible. This may be the severance plan.

    Google Total Management Solutions. I believe the URL is www.subpay.com.

    Then start reading about its transitional pay service plan. Basically, an employer sells its laid-off workers to a third party, much like selling accounts receivable at a discount.

    Was this Evan Ray's idea? Martore? The board agreed to this? Just how bad was Q2?

    ReplyDelete
  57. I wouldn't be surprised if Martore winds up taking the Fifth before Congressional panels, convened in months ahead to investigate. This is almost unbelievable, if true. It would be a public relations disaster.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Jim,

    We're going to miss you. You've shone a light into the dark hole that is the soul of Gannett and for that we will be forever grateful.

    A couple of links that laid off people might find helpful as it becomes clear that the severance packages are a pittance of what they should be (and were just six months ago).

    http://tinyurl.com/lcteba

    and

    http://careerprotection.com/ this is a legal firm's website that might be able to help people wring some justice out of this company.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hello, Gannett board member, Neal Shapiro? How will WNET-TV cover this -- if it's as bad as it appears at first blush?

    Cash-strapped states are closing schools and hospitals, and now would effectively supplement Dubow's and Martore's 2009 all-cash bonuses with scarce tax dollars? Say it ain't so!

    ReplyDelete
  60. With her connections, she'll give new meaning to "break a leg"!

    ReplyDelete
  61. i'd love to say i'm surprised by gannett's use of www.subpay.com but it's fucking par for the course. i should've volunteered in december

    ReplyDelete
  62. does subpay come with bodyguards for vp's in nj or is gannett paying extra for that?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Be careful what you say - Todd is watching!

    SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Jim wrote: "I wouldn't be surprised if Martore winds up taking the Fifth before Congressional panels, convened in months ahead to investigate."

    Really? Seriously?

    You just love going right for the sensational, don't you?

    I won't miss that when you're gone.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Jim said: "Noteworthy, as in noting it for the record, because I may want circle back to this date and time on my last day."

    Huh? Want to try that again?

    ReplyDelete
  66. All I can say is: Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  67. 3:53 am: You're pushing it. You don't want to resume this. Ask Connell or her new replacement

    ReplyDelete

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."

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.