Questions for Dickey in today's employee meeting

U.S. newspaper division President Bob Dickey updates employees on "new initiatives'' being launched this year during a 1:30 p.m. ET conference call. At least two Gannett Blog readers would like an update on the status of the planned advertising-production consolidation at two new centers, in Des Moines and Indianapolis. Growing impatient, Anonymous@7:22 a.m. wrote: "Maybe someone can call and ask him since he always welcomes your questions in all his little letters.''

In his last public remarks on the subject, Dickey (left) told Wall Street stock analysts early last month: "All advertising production for the division will be centralized in two Gannett Production Centers, which will be completed in early 2011. These centers -- in Des Moines and Indianapolis – will allow Gannett to stay competitive as the media landscape continues to evolve. The goal is to maintain high quality and service for advertisers while improving efficiencies."

Another question on the minds of many employees: The future of the wage freeze imposed last spring, and now extending to April 1. Gannettoid, citing multiple sources, says the end is in sight. Perhaps Dickey will confirm that today.

Earlier: Will freeze end, following moves by NYT and McClatchy?

Gannett Blog readers: Please share anything you learn after today's conference call, for those of us who miss it. Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write jimhopkins[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the rail, upper right.