And this one was publisher over two Gannett papers in New York. Monte Trammer (left) had run the Star-Gazette in Elmira -- Gannett's first newspaper -- since 1999, and the Ithaca Journal since last year.Replacing Trammer: Sherman Bodner, who is the top executive of Gannett's Central New York newspapers group. In addition to Elmira and Ithaca, the group includes the Press & Sun Bulletin in Binghamton. Central New York announced a big work consolidation in July.
Trammer, one of Gannett's few minority publishers, is only 57, according to a Star-Gazette story yesterday that says his last day will be Saturday. His departure at such a relatively young age led some readers here to wonder whether he jumped -- or was pushed. "Is this voluntary?" Anonymous@3:17 p.m. asked in yesterday's Real Time Comments. "Will this be the trend, allowing publishers to retire versus getting canned? Just seems to me there is more to this story. Anyone have the inside track here?"
Anonymous@5:16 p.m. replied: "I started with Gannett in 1987 and in 1988 the publisher 'retired' -- wink, wink. I know of at least five Gannett publishers who retired like that. These are people I actually know, who told me it was a retire/resign or we fire you -- and here are some benefits to make you go away. There are many more I suspect; all corporations do this with top executives."
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[Photo: Star-Gazette]
I am curious if anyone the real story why the publisher, Christine Chin, at FT. Collins left? I always thought she was one of Gannett's stars as they saved her from one of the Oregon or Washington papers before they sold them.
ReplyDeleteThe very senior VP of the newspaper division at Corporate was shoved out a number of years ago. The official story was that he retired, but the real story came out that he didn't go on his own accord, that he was "encouraged" to do so for the betterment of the company.
ReplyDeleteWhy did Gannett Golden Girl "we'll publish it if it's just good enough" Barbara Henry retire from the Indy Star at 55? Younger than Trammer, who worked for the Star back in the '70s.
ReplyDeleteThe Trammer "retirement" lets Bodner consolidate his power over 3 papers. Thats what the guy really wants anyway.
ReplyDeleteI bet Ithaca/Elmira have no idea what's coming for them ....... but they'll find out soon enough.
We have had a number of long-time regular employees in their 50's "retire" lately. I think the company likes to call it that instead of announcing that "Joe is tired of the B.S. and is ready to quit the business". Got to stay upbeat you know!
ReplyDeleteMonte is classy. He had a way of inspiring front-line troops to do their best. I will miss him. The company needs more executives like Monte.
ReplyDeleteWait til they all meet Bodner. A very different management style, to put it politely.
ReplyDeleteWatch your backs, folks.