More cutbacks to come at Tampa Bay Times - UPDATE / CONFIRMATION

Drip, you were initially pretty hesitant with movable type at first, no?

 

LOL. You have to learn to adapt. Change doesn't bother me. I embrace it with open arms. In time, it becomes the norm and then it morphs into something completely different. We're having this discussion now. Wait until five more years and see what kind of discussion we'll be having.

 

I didn't know that. That's really encouraging news.

 

I didn't know that. That's really encouraging news.

 

All the metrics I see say "engagement" with videos blows our other "content" out of the water.

When you have numbers saying that, that's what's behind the video push.

 

Well said. Drip, mentally flagging this thread for 2019. God knows I'll be on these boards ...

 

The sports staff took its first hit this morning. Longtime Tampa Bay Lightning beat writer Damian Cristodero took a buyout and is moving to Washington D.C. to be with his wife. Joe Smith, who was the backup beat guy, is moving to the Lightning beat full-time. And Matt Baker, who had been covering preps, is moving to Joe's position to be the Bucs, Bolts and Rays backup beat writer after the spring.

 

It was only a matter of time for Matt to escape the bureaus. He's good and writes interesting stories. If they truly cared about college sports, UF in particular, they'd put Matt on that.

 

Should they fire Antonya English first? Or reassign her to the bureaus?

 

Matt's been terrific covering preps and FSU part time. He's going to be excellent in this role, too.

As far as college coverage goes, I think the Times does a good job when it comes to the local stuff. Joey Knight has done well adjusting to the South Florida beat since taking over for Greg Auman. His corro is really solid, too. And Antonya English has been great for Gators coverage all these years. Hopefully, it stays that way.

 

Problem is, nobody cares about the local stuff. It's UF or bust, with FSU a strong second. And yes, I know where USF is. But the interest doesn't come close to matching its geographical advantage. I'd have AE at USF. I don't want to turn this into an anti AE rant, but she has not been anything close to even above average. And because she's on the highest profile college beat, their college coverage suffers as a result. It should be dynamic. It's hardly ever that. Been that way for many, many years.

 

What's not being said -- you'll have to read between the lines -- is that this reduces the Times' annual financial commitment considerably, which is a good thing for the financially strapped newspaper.

Tampa Bay Times Forum has a new name: Amalie Arena

TAMPA — After a dozen years as the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the Tampa Bay Lightning's home arena has a new name. Amalie Oil Co. is assuming naming rights of the downtown Tampa entertainment arena and concert venue, which will now be called Amalie Arena, Lightning chairman and owner Jeff Vinik announced Wednesday. The Tampa Bay Times is shifting to become the exclusive print sponsor of the recently renovated 19,204-seat arena.

The Times' chairman/CEO spins it well, though, in the story.

Read it here: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tampa-bay-lightning-plans-major-announcement-this-afternoon/2195910