Tuesday, July 03, 2012

July 2-8 | Your News & Comments: Part 1

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82 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. One of the news industry's worst-kept secrets has long been the fact that CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is gay.

    Now, speaking to the (also-gay) blogger Andrew Sullivan, Cooper for the first time discusses all this in public.

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  3. What have others experienced when they moved to work at another Gannett site? A friend is getting paid for two days to move, then the rest has to be taken in vacation days. Doesn't seem right.

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  4. Oh, what we take for granted...

    A person writes to the Arizona Republic asking, "Are private and public employers required to give a lunch break in the state of Arizona?"

    The answer, in a nutshell? NO! Unless you have it in writing, say in a contract, you have nothing.

    http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2012/05/16/20120516ask-expert-meal-breaks-employees-not-required-arizona-law.html

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  5. OK, so Anderson Cooper is gay. Ho-hum.

    It's 2012 already ... let's move on.

    Any real news today, Jim?

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  7. So today some high end editor has a column about how much better digital is over the print edition...you can magnify the screen to read the words better so you don't have to use glasses. Really? It's not the first time he's had a column trumpeting digital over print. If print rolls over tomorrow how long does he think his job, where he now is anyway, will last?

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  9. Any private distributor that took the job of replacing all Gannett single copy drivers. If you think it is bad now just wait until the busy season hits. For the warmer climates that is winter not summer. Summers are usually very slow. You may want to warn your drivers that their vehicle won't last very long.

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  10. Anyone else having problems with health care claims being paid after taking the early retirement buy out? I've been jerked around for months. Health care company claims medicare is primary provider, Medicare claims as long as I am being paid I am an active employee and health provider is primary. Now I have to call the insurance company every time I go to the doctor to have my claim manually pushed through the system..BS
    Gannett is really pushing it. Initially they cancelled my health insurance when I reached 65, but continued to deduct premiums from my pay. More law suits will be coming!!

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  11. Not very many comments today. Is it because of the holiday?

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  12. Can't wait to see what Banikarim brought back home for us from her Cannes vacation:

    CMO Maryam Banikarim of @Gannett on the creativity and inspiration at ‪#CannesLions‬ and bringing that back home.

    Watch: http://yhoo.it/L6VQf1

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  13. Anderson Cooper was at Gannett, I doubt he would still be here after his announcement. Just take a look around.

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  14. 11:47 AM - It "doesn't seem right"? Okay, then don't do it. Find a situation elsewhere with a better offer.

    Honestly, the thought processes one encounters on this site augur poorly for the future of humankind.

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  15. I wonder how Captain Campbell is handling the news of Zanmiller leaving the company? Poorly I hope.

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  16. Does anyone think there will be more layoffs before the end of the year?

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  17. Anyone having trouble with CCI tonight?

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  18. @357 - I hope you're not right about that, but now that you mention it.... I have always kept my private life private for journalism reasons as much as anything. I wouldn't lie to anybody if they asked me about it, I just don't talk about myself a lot. But when I read AC's statement today, I thought he made good arguments for remaining silent and good arguments for speaking up. I don't know anybody else in my newsroom who shares our orientation - at least not publicly. Those who were out - I can think of six - are no longer with us. Curious.

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  19. After viewing the vid of MB, the first word that pops into my mind: vacuous.

    She certainly has a PhD in smoke-blowing.

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  20. 10:59pm, What you experienced was a software feature that allows you to take a break from your work. Think of it as a new fringe benefit.

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  21. Jim takes down posts that ask for layoff information after quarters end,which every Gannett employee is concerned about.He then starts a thread about a gay outing,which,who cares,and that starts a whole bunch of posts.
    Go figure.

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  22. "Cannes gives you a nice global stage to be inspired from." -- Banikarim

    Is Cannes where Purpose Walls come from? Or do they come from a hotter place?

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    Replies
    1. The French have no purpose besides Jerry Lewis.

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  23. 5:58 Campbell should leave too!!

    Also so many people in brevard are complaining about the customer service and subs r dropping like flies.No baody cares there what a big crock.

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  24. Another bad day at the clarion-ledger
    The most important guy in the newsroom, Keith warren, is out after today.
    And one of the few good writers/reporters left, Gary Pettus, announced today that he is leaving.
    When will gannett/ Leslie Hurst learn that you can't keep running people off and have a good product?

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  25. Clarence Page is in hot water.

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0703-page-20120703,0,4054906.story

    I was more shocked by the fact he has been accepting speaking fees for years without approval.

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  26. 8:52's comment is the same nearly every week. As I've written before, you need some fresher material.

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  27. With Apple now giving its retail employees a 25% raise, the average Apple SALES person makes as much as the majority of GMTI's support staff.


    A Genius Bar employee makes as much as a technical team lead.


    If you're in IT, LEAVE GANNETT NOW!!! Its a dying industry. If you have IT talents, other companies WILL pay you enough to pay your bills(not pick and choose) AND have a life. Get out while the gettin' is good.

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  28. 7/03/2012 10:31 AM Move over, Clarence. Maryam Banikarim has a speakers agent for her engagements and accepts fees.

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    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    2. prove it or shut up already

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  29. "Dead Stinking Last." - Ron Burgundy.

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  30. 7/02/2012 3:56 PM -- your video of Banikarim proves she doesn't have a f---ing clue. She and her girls' crew went to Cannes for this BS?

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    1. Will this merit a special On the Road post?

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    2. There werent just girls there.

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  31. Advertising Director in Poughkeepsie resigns

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    1. The one in cherry hill, nj should do the same.

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  32. A reporter just up and quit recently in Fond du Lac. And they seemed shocked that it happened. Guess he didn't like being on call 24/7.

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  33. When the Execs start resigning, the writing is on the wall. Holy Shit!

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  34. 1031 (re Clarion Ledger): the simple fact is Gannett doesn't care. How else to explaining the release and, in some cases, the replacement of so many valuable employees? They want to produce the product at the cheapest possible price (they are a business, after all) and F the employees and F the readers. That's it in a nutshell. Personally, i pray regularly that these age-discrimination lawsuits are successful for the plaintiffs - and that Dubow's back pain is excruciating.

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    1. We have several recent college grads now at Usat. absolutely love their energy, enthusiasm and tech saavy. but you dont learn how to report or write here. (We have enough "experienced" dead weight here). I guess this is the future.

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    2. Gannett would be happy paying next to nothing for copy. the quality? They dont care.

      Martore doesnt read us. doesnt know any reporter and doesnt care to.

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  35. Looks like she's gonna be working for her former competitors:
    http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pa-based-jrc-taps-dewey-175822734.html

    Dewey, Cheat 'Em and How!

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  36. The CJ has just announced in the paper this morning that they are going to print the USAToday papers. This is a first, bringing the usatoday in house to better serve the people. How many other papers are now part of the printing process for this?

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  37. 10:31 -- Leslie Hurst is a hatchet lady. Was in Lansing at least. I heard she was not to be approached for any reason, and would not respond to any employee email sent to her. Behind closed doors all the time, planning the next RIF
    s.

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  38. Any one hear of the 3rd Q furloughs...My source says next week The Hammer will drop

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  39. Where is Zanmiller going? Seemed like he was a Gannett golden boy.

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  40. So much fun watching LoHud.com beat Newsday/Cablevision over and over and over again on big stories and little ones.

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  41. Perusing the Cincinnati Enquirer online today and I noticed that many of the articles are short, some as few as two paragraphs.

    Is this a directive from the top, a trend throughout other Gannett properties, or is this just the result of multiple rounds of staff reductions?

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  42. So sad at The Clarion-Ledger. Circulation numbers have been cut in half since last month. All the top news reporters leaving or being thrown out. IT shutting down. Advertising in the hands of morons. That paper used to be a great product and one would be proud to work there.

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  43. Too 2:41
    Who are they picking up the USAT contract from? What site is losing the print job? Is it posted company wide?

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  44. The Gannett employees that keep continueously complaining on this blog must have zero self esteem.
    You hate Gannett so much,yet you all continue to whore for the pimps of management.You are enablers.You help Gannett turn revenue and profit on your backs.
    Remember Gannett has cut,cut, and more cutting of great employees regardless of destroying lives.They have done this all the while turning a profit!! Not way in the red and losing money! No,making a sizable profit! Just not a large enough profit for the money mongers!Shameful really.

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  45. That's a shame about The Clarion-Ledger's great staff. Both Gary and Keith were assets to that paper. It's sad to see that paper go down. Circulation numbers down 50% over last month, IT dept being shut down, Advertising being run by morons. It's like watching a slow death.

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  46. 3:23 I think Indy has been doing this USAT printing.

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  47. Holy shit ... that MB video is unbelievable. This highly paid executive goes to Cannes, Fr. to get ideas for creativity that she can use to inspire people in Gannett to be more creative in their everyday jobs? ... I think MB just had her very own Marie Antoinette moment ...

    Watch: http://yhoo.it/L6VQf1

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  48. Good fear and loathing piece by Bill Shea in Crain's Detroit Business as the Freep is swallowed by Community Publishing Division.

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  49. Jim called out USAToday.com/sports for not covering the Euro 2012 soccer tournament. I can add that the site (1) avoids live events from outside the US and (2) puts sensationalism above hard news.

    Lead story of USAToday.com/sports at this moment: "F1 test driver seriously injured in crash" -- with a pic of the driver, a woman.

    More important stuff -- Serena Williams reaches the semifinals of Wimbledon -- was buried in the middle of the page. The USA Today sports ticker doesn't even have a Wimbledon tab.

    I have an email in to McLean to ask whether this is corporate policy.

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  50. The Freep and the Detroit News. Remember, it's a JOA and Gannett dictates.

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  51. Indianapolis lost the the USA Today printing account for Kentucky.

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  52. I've never thought this way or that way about the whole Banikarim debate here, but that video is so empty of content!

    I'm not even sure I blame her. USA TODAY is a sponsor of the event, long before she got here, so someone had to go I suppose. But what a waste of money, with no payoff over the years that anyone can point to.

    Is it true our sponsorship ends this year? Hope that is the case.

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  53. Gannett sounds like BAIN

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  54. Clarion-ledger needs an AD w/ a clue

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  55. Jim,
    Almost one year ago, there was an announcement that "Gannett Publishing Services" was created and based at Gannett's McLean, Va., headquarters facility.

    During it's initial creation, GPS/Mclean included management of the folloowing entities: Gannett's U.S. Community Publishing unit, USA Today and Gannett Offset.

    What was the result of the consolidation into GPS? Were there any layoffs from the units that were absorbed (USA TODAY, Gannett Community Pubs & Gannett Offset)?

    Who remains from the original groups that were absorbed?... anyone?

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  56. 12:31 - you would be surprised at how many times HR gets asked that question. It's a matter of state law. If state law doesn't speak to it, then it follows the Fair labor Standards Act as mentioned in the article you cited. This is a common item included in union contracts.

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  57. Captain Campbell can replace Pete and GPS wont miss a beat! Better days are coming soon for GPS....LMFAO

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  58. Jim, were did you hear Indy lost the USAT Print Job.Is this a fact? Thanks

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  59. sure hope Gannett isn't over-paying Banikarim. she might want to broaden her vocab. how many times can a gannett exec say the word "creativity" without saying anything? definitely watch this video. complete babble. perhaps there's some hidden meaning or code speak. This is unreal. she say the word creativitywow that is right, what in the world was she thinking? this is a must read/watch: http://yhoo.it/L6VQf1

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  60. Gonna need some more horse tape in Jackson.

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  61. Cannes was another nice vacation for a few USAT execs, but nothing more. Best part is the act they provide when they return to "prove" to us all how hard they worked and how much business they conducted. Yeah, with the other 500 attendees also on vacation. Hope this is the last year.

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  62. We are finding out what Univision and NBC discovered. There's just not much there.

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  63. 8:56 your a HOOT! Funniest thing i've heard EVER!!
    Captain of a sinking ship- he is no more a leader than daffy duck!

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  64. The Clarion-Ledger, like other Gannett newspapers, needs to try its best to work on its reputation amongst employees for the sake of any outsiders who might apply there in the future. Jackson is a rather small city, and a company's reputation, particularly in a Southern town that favors morals and values, is something that becomes known by all pretty quickly. They need to take some tips from other companies that invest in their employees, offer job security, and at least pretend through actions, that they care about their employees.

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  65. USAT still exists? What an irrelevant piece of crap. Why would anyone want to work there anymore? If you're a real journalist, aren't there better places with greater integrity to practice your craft? If you're a techie, are there more cutting edge companies? And if you enjoy job stability, heck, you're always on a paycheck-to-paycheck status at USAT, particularly if you're over a certain age under the executive pay grade.

    Anyone who reads USAT these days is getting a flawed product. USAT is produced by a bunch of people who won a popularity contest that allowed them to survive there for years or get hired in recent months. The people with balls and ethics who built the brand are mostly gone.

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  66. The popularity contest is over. Time to discard or sideline editors just putting in their 40 a week amd the "star" reporters living on reputation and rarely in the paper. There are plenty of seasoned, hungry beat reporters and editors out there who could bolster a sorry ass staff like this one.

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  67. Who oversees Sports' digital content? usat is late to the party on almost every breaking news story.

    where is the qualty control, or is Beusse too busy on empire building to make sure his staff gets the basics right?

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  68. 12:03, the founders and near founders remain in control of News, Money and Life. The air is stale. The attitude is uninspired and the recent hires are faillures and non entitites.

    I dont know that it would have been much different without Hunke. The problems run far deeper.

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  69. 5:03, what do you expect? Usa Today does everything on the cheap, except when it comes to adding to the bloated management team. There is little thought about who is actually needed and who is qualified to produce the product. Editors shrug their shoulders and wring their hands and make one bad decision after another. From the basics to investigations. Where are the adults saying why are we doing this, why arent we covering that?

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    1. This is what happens when the gatekeepers of this org continue to be unqualified.

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  70. I read this blog because while I got out of Gannett, there are people I cared about still working at sites. Well, this week the last two got jobs elsewhere. I am thrilled for them and thrilled that I can bid goodbye to this blog. Jim, you've done - and continue to do - a great job. For those folks still slaving for this company: Keep looking for ways out. For those who think Gannett is a visionary company with a future: Pray for enlightenment.

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  71. Congrats to Jan Dewey for her promotion to publisher with JRC. Nice work.

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  72. I wish the pressmen at Florida Today would grow up and just do their jobs.

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Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."

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