Top editor Carolyn Washburn (left) told an employee meeting yesterday that The Des Moines Register "had done as much as it could to reduce expenses, but that it wasn’t enough,'' The Iowa Independent is now reporting. Washburn told employees there would likely be newsroom job cuts in coming months, the news blog says.A Register spokeswoman said Thursday’s meeting was scheduled a month ago to discuss projects and priorities for the rest of the year, the Independent says, and the layoffs subject came up only upon questioning by staff. "We didn’t announce any layoffs,'' Susan Patterson Plank said. "We depend on businesses like retail and real estate that are going through tough times, and so we’re going through some tough times. So we’re certainly evaluating things.”
Earlier: Washburn on cooperating across the Chinese wall
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As someone who was at the meeting, it's simply not true that "the layoffs subject came up only upon questioning by staff." She was totally up front with the newsroom that we (and our advertisers) are having tough times now. We're all adults and understand that may mean some jobs being left open or staff reductions at some point down the road.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification @12:04 a.m. (what are your doing on the computor at that ungodly hour? Copy editor, perhaps?)
ReplyDeleteOthers in the newsroom have been wondering about layoff rumors and the possibility that the DMReg may be sold since before the first of the year.
There was little or no response from the publisher but CW always answers directly (that she knows nothing about a sale) when asked directly.
It would be great to sell the DMR. Of course, it would be great to sell any property if it made sense. But before they start selling those that at least are making a profit, they should get rid of the dogs like Hono. Maybe a donation to the Foundation is in order. Or maybe they could pay someone to take it away?
ReplyDeleteWho is "Hono?"
ReplyDeleteI believe the poster meant Honolulu. Just a guess.
ReplyDeleteI really thought DMReg was going to be sold, and soon, when they promoted a publisher, comptroller, and VP/Advertising from within last summer. But we're group headquarters again, so I guess not.
ReplyDeleteAnyone have any info on how long before Laura H. gets herself a general manger, and who it might be?