An independent journal about the Gannett Co. and the news industry's digital transition
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Lansing | The buyouts start becoming goodbyes
John Schneider, the Lansing State Journal's metro columnist for 24 years -- and an employee for 35 -- told readers in today's edition that he'll be leaving the Michigan paper in mid-April with one of the buyouts: "It's time to go."
Since he wrote that column at his editor's behest, it sounds like his buyout deal is already done. At 35 years, I doubt there are many others with more seniority.
The "cheap young kool aid drinkers" are here today - gone tomorrow. I think they are spitting it out when no one is looking and waiting for their chance to go to good jobs elsewhere.
What a sad situation. Some of the most talented people in newsrooms kicked to the curb. Gannett's newsrooms are already pitifully understaffed. The company will replace veterans with cub reporters, or just leave positions unfilled. Wouldn't be surprised to see more layoffs. Has the company done anything in the past decade to improve the quality of its journalism? It has simply cut the fat, cut the muscle and bone, and acted like it was a bold strategy. I am convinced that Gannett views serious journalists as "part of the problem."
A Time magazine article said Steve Jobs was a good leader because he invested in research and development, even in tough times, other than much of the rest of the business world taken over by bean counters who cater to bottom-line profits only. Long-sighted versus short-sighted. Guess which one Gannett is?
John is massively popular in the community, and with the eviscerating of the newsroom in the last few years, I've heard frequently that "John's column is the only reason I still read the paper." I can't imagine this is going to help readership. More typical short-sighted thinking from the Gannett brass.
John, The main purpose of a "free press" is to press government to keep it honest. So sacred we call it part of our "Bill of rights". It is the FIRST Amendment to our Constitution. People gave their lives to give us this precious right. While I've pushed you on that issue I still recognize that you have made it a major part of your column. And, that makes you a "professional" columnist.
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What if his request is not accepted. Wouldn't you logically have to wait for acceptance before announcing? Just wondering how this all works.
ReplyDeleteSince he wrote that column at his editor's behest, it sounds like his buyout deal is already done. At 35 years, I doubt there are many others with more seniority.
ReplyDeleteGannett wont be happy until all the veterans are gone and replaced by cheap young kool aid drinkers. this is whats happening at usa today.
ReplyDeleteHopkins: Yeh, a behest. And also a resume. So one can't, in that, actually tell 'em to kiss his ass. Methinks, probably desired.
ReplyDeleteThe "cheap young kool aid drinkers"
ReplyDeleteare here today - gone tomorrow. I think they are spitting it out when no one is looking and waiting for their chance to go to good jobs elsewhere.
LOL, 9:18.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad situation. Some of the most talented people in newsrooms kicked to the curb. Gannett's newsrooms are already pitifully understaffed. The company will replace veterans with cub reporters, or just leave positions unfilled. Wouldn't be surprised to see more layoffs.
ReplyDeleteHas the company done anything in the past decade to improve the quality of its journalism? It has simply cut the fat, cut the muscle and bone, and acted like it was a bold strategy. I am convinced that Gannett views serious journalists as "part of the problem."
A Time magazine article said Steve Jobs was a good leader because he invested in research and development, even in tough times, other than much of the rest of the business world taken over by bean counters who cater to bottom-line profits only. Long-sighted versus short-sighted. Guess which one Gannett is?
ReplyDeleteJobs also treated his workers like shit. Read his bio.
ReplyDeleteI read that about Jobs as well. However, he still was a visionary.
ReplyDeleteThese kids don't swallow??? Geeez...what is this place becoming?
ReplyDeleteJohn is massively popular in the community, and with the eviscerating of the newsroom in the last few years, I've heard frequently that "John's column is the only reason I still read the paper." I can't imagine this is going to help readership. More typical short-sighted thinking from the Gannett brass.
ReplyDelete9:11, that Time magazine article was shit. Did you read the full bio? Of course not.
ReplyDeleteJohn, The main purpose of a "free press" is to press government to keep it honest. So sacred we call it part of our "Bill of rights". It is the FIRST Amendment to our Constitution. People gave their lives to give us this precious right. While I've pushed you on that issue I still recognize that you have made it a major part of your column. And, that makes you a "professional" columnist.
ReplyDeleteI'm done with LSJ. John was the only reason for buying the paper. Sad to see him go.
ReplyDelete