With Burlington, estimated job cuts now hit 243; 62 of 81 U.S. community newspapers are counted

The Burlington Free Press has whacked seven jobs, including an unspecified number requiring layoffs, during the recent round of reductions, a Gannett Blog reader told me this morning. Jim Fogler, publisher since late August, told staffers at the Vermont daily about the cuts during a staff meeting last week.

"He was grim, but I appreciated hearing the news from him directly," the reader said, adding: "He did not rule out further cuts or furloughs.''

In leaving furloughs on the table, Fogler joins several other publishers who left open the possibility, adding to speculation furloughs could be imposed during the three months starting Jan. 1.

I've  added this new information to my running tally of estimated layoffs and pay cuts during the job reduction that began Nov. 3. These figures are based on information supplied by my readers. (Site-by-site numbers.) As of 10:23 a.m. ET today:

• Newspapers reporting: 62 of 81
• Estimated job cuts so far: 243 (excludes USA Today's 130)
• Estimated papers imposing pay cuts: 6

Note: GCI has about 25,000 U.S. newspaper workers, out of a total 35,000 employees worldwide. (Breakdown by major division.)

Earlier: Survey asks, how old were you when you got laid off?

Related: CEO Craig Dubow got paid $4.7 million in 2009 vs. $3.1 million in 2008. (Table shows annual pay for five top executives.)

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