Next Up - Cedar Rapids

What was the staffing like there, pre-cuts?

 

Not sure about the whole newsroom, but the sports department had an editor, night editor, 6-7 writers, two columnists (who also write game stuff) and 2-3 deskers.

 

Yep, Cedar Rapids joined the ranks today. Horrific day to be in the newsroom, and we're just the latest newspaper to experience it so we're not unique.

We had 2 editors, eight reporters and a columnist, plus a U-desk. Three sports reporters lost their jobs this afternoon. Jim Ecker and Jeff Dahn, both of which had been on the sports staff for at least 20 years, and John Riehl, who was there for 10. Ecker covered college sports, including the University of Iowa, for several years. Dahner covered high school boys sports. Riehl covered preps and Iowa women's basketball.

Overall, and we keep losing track of the numbers, but there's around 15 people in a newsroom of around 85 who lost jobs today.

 

Thanks for the info, beardown.

Sounds like, from what I heard, another four or five news reporters, as well.

Desk hasn't heard anything, yet?

 

Ouch ... the Gazette's always been a strong paper, and supposedly in one of the few "growing" areas of Iowa, population-wise.

I wish all those who were let go -- and those left behind -- the best, and I wish we could do more to stop the bloodletting.

 

The newsroom total today was 14. But that was strictly reporters and non-editing positions. We expect more cuts in the coming weeks involving editors and our universal desk. Needless to say it was a difficult day for everyone.

 

Ugggh, that's gonna get even uglier before it's over.

Good thoughts going to those who got the ax, and to those who are left.

 

A lot of good people got cut today — one of them a former co-worker and a good friend. He deserved better. They all did.

Sad, sad day. Someday I hope someone up there explains to me how this will make them a better paper. But I suppose I'll have to be explained that by Twitter, Facebook, or live blog, because that's all the new publisher seems interested in doing.

 

The first newspaper I read as a kid. This one hurts.

 

It's amazing they cut these 20 year vets. I understand why, they make too much money, but it is ridiculous. I mean it used to be papers hired the best candidates for jobs. Now they don't want the best candidates they want the cheap or citizen journalists. It makes no sense for a business. I repeat ... just speed up this process and go all online or close your doors, publishers. This makes NO FUCKING SENSE.