The Honolulu Advertiser has been one of the earliest papers to signal job cuts in recent months, so a brief story in today's edition about more reductions next week caught my eye. Like the canaries once used by coal miners to signal disaster ahead, is the Advertiser telling us what's next in Gannett?From today's story: "The Honolulu Advertiser has announced a new round of voluntary buyouts as part of a plan to cut expenses by $5 million to $10 million a year. Management at the Advertiser yesterday informed union representatives about the voluntary staff reductions and other work place changes but said details will be disclosed next week."
The paper laid off 54 workers on July 16 -- an unusual reduction then, because it involved relatively big layoffs, rather than buyouts. In hindsight, however, it appears the Advertiser may have been ahead of the curve. Less than a month later, Gannett announced 1,000 job cuts in the newspaper division -- a round that eventually included another 27 in Honolulu.
Today, the paper's story quoted Publisher Lee Webber's e-mail to employees: "We have a great team here at the Advertiser and I am confident we will all continue to work together, changing when and where we must, ensuring we grow our way into the future. Because of the continued deterioration in local, national and world economic conditions we are working toward a reduction of from $5 million to $10 million in expenses through work place changes."
Webber's announcement came less than three weeks after newspaper division President Bob Dickey reportedly led a delegation to Honolulu aboard Corporate's jet.
What's the budget-cutting chatter at your worksite these days? 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 sidebar, upper right.
Earlier: Icebergs ahead, Gannett slides into uncharted waters. Plus: Our paper-by-paper list of layoffs.
[Image: today's front page, Newseum]
What's the budget-cutting chatter at your worksite these days? 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 sidebar, upper right.
Earlier: Icebergs ahead, Gannett slides into uncharted waters. Plus: Our paper-by-paper list of layoffs.
[Image: today's front page, Newseum]
Here's a prediction for budget season, going on now:
ReplyDeleteEach publisher with either make or accept completely preposterous revenue assumptions for January and February.
About the end of the first week in Period 1, the ad and circ directors will tell the boss they aren't making the numbers.
At which point, the pub will ask every department head to propose slashing expenses so the unit can meet new revenue expectations and keep the margin at budget.
The pub will then share plans with his regional vice president or corporate and soon be sending out an e-mail to the troops:
"Despite the best efforts of our team, we cannot overcome the high hurdles of this difficult economy. I am sorry to say but we have to cut XXX jobs."
The question for the group is: When will your ad or circulation director tell your publisher the numbers won't be met?
There's no point in asking about why the company will adopt impossible revenue goals for January and February.
I'm sick of all the stargazing over potential GCI layoffs. Of course they're coming. We're moving through an historic market deflation. Would you expect one of the most notoriously tight-fisted media companies not to cut back?
ReplyDeleteIf you're unwilling to wait and see what the future holds, take charge of your life and go find a more secure job before you are cut from Gannett. But let's quit the public nail-biting. It serves no good purpose.
A more secure job in this economy?
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm
Oh, right!
"Would you like fries with that?"
Hey, if I were you guys. I would sign that next contract offer!
ReplyDeleteThat union is clearly antiquated and out of touch.
"Thank you sir, amy I have another?"
There are still millions of jobs posted on employment sites..actually 3.6 million posted in September-
ReplyDeletewww.linkedin.com (networking)
www.indeed.com (aggregated listings)
www.realmatch.com (matches you to jobs)
good luck to those searching for jobs.
Oh Lord! Bob Dickey is coming to Louisville next Friday, for his second trip here in a month. I think we should be worried!
ReplyDelete