Publisher Michael Kane (left) has just told employees that The Indianapolis Star now expects to lay off fewer than 55 employees by early next month vs. his earlier estimate of up to 95.In a memo, Kane says: "As we sorted through our options -- which included examining every alternative besides reducing staff -- I now believe we can limit our reductions to fewer than 55 employees in early December.''
Kane's note suggests it's possible to meet Corporate's 10% workforce reduction in ways that aren't limited to cutting payroll. In any case, 55 positions would be 5% of the Star's approximately 1,100 jobs.
Earlier: We're building a paper-by-paper list of layoffs and job cuts; just two papers are listed so far, however. Will yours be included?
Now, how do you do that without cutting payroll?
ReplyDeleteReduce or eliminate sections (that's easier if you lay off most/all of the people in the reduced/eliminated section(s)). Trim the paper size. If you use any contractors now (reporters, photographers, etc.), stop using them and make employees do that work in-house. Raise subscription rates if you haven't already.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there's more.
Kane is a great guy... worked with him once.
ReplyDeleteKane is an ass...worked with him twice.
ReplyDeleteWe miss Kane in Rochester. A lot.
ReplyDeleteSo Jim, is this the Midwest paper that you were talking about having lower than 10% layoffs. If so, do your sources say how they are doing it? I thought that not only were the papers to reduce 10% payroll, but 10% in expenses. I don't see how (unless they are eliminating more than 10% in expenses) they are getting rid of only 55. I'd say if you make a BIG salary at Indianapolis I'd be worried.
ReplyDeleteWorked with Kane in Rochester. Yes, he does give over-dramatic informercial-like speeches, but I give the guy credit for finding a way to make cuts without cutting people. And to communicate all his moves to his staff. Way more than I can say for the new guy here...He's been here 4 months and hasn't introduced himself.
ReplyDeleteHe's cutting higher salary jobs. The 10 percent estimate from corporate is a baseline estimate on the typically employee making $40K per year.
ReplyDelete10:26 pm: indy is not the Midwest paper I had in mind when I wrote that post.
ReplyDelete10.26, I agree with you. We were told 10% payroll and more expense cuts on top of that.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the Star is also going to begin printing Richmond's paper and USA Today, which had been printed by Richmond (Indiana). That means Richmond's staff is being gutted by more than 10 percent, so it makes sense the Star would lose less than 10 percent. The Star probably has to hang on to more employees to do the extra work.
ReplyDeleteMichael Kane is the highest quality person. He is smart, innovative and cares deeply about his people and the newspaper industry. I worked with him, too, and would do so again in an instant.
ReplyDeleteReally not sure where they're getting this 1,100 number for the Star work force. Maybe that includes the various regional operations.
ReplyDeleteWe had a hair over 1k employees before last year's buyouts and last summer's layoffs. We're right around 950 now, in terms of people who work on the Indy Star and related products.
That 1,100 employee number for the Indianapolis Star comes from Corporate's official page for the paper.
ReplyDeleteWorked with him once - and never would again. No Kane - No Pain is on the little red bear he takes from site to site. And boy - it's no joke. Your opinion? Who cares - you like his opinion? You are a favorite! Ick. A great boss if you are a kiss ass.
ReplyDelete