Seattle Times cutting 200 jobs

wow. i read those remarks and no longer want to be in this business.

 

New word is 49:

19 currently open jobs being eliminated
16 layoffs
14 layoffs that could be saved by enough people taking the voluntary buyouts.

There is more info, including about the severance offers, for those interested on the Guild's blog: http://www.pnwguild.org/blog

I know of one friend at least who is in that could-be-unlucky 14. My thoughts are with him for the next week, willing enough others to take the buyout.

 

So much for "local is king." Six zone reporters among the casualties. Also on the list is something called the Home Economist, which I can only assume is someone who actually provides somewhat useful information to readers. Why would you need that? I'm sure the business page will be fine with wire earnings reports.

 

News: 30 positions

Cartoonist 1
Desk Editor 4
Home Economist 1
Lead News Assistant 3
News Assistant 3
Page Designer 2
News Residents 5
Photographer 1
Reporter 4
Zone Reporter 6
Resale/permissions Specialist 1

 

Let's pray for those affected that the buyouts offered are more humane than Singleton's.

 

It's not a "buyout." It's a "voluntary separation package."

 

Makes me want to cry.

 

Oh, and after reading most of the comments, I don't find most of them to be as repulsive as I expected. In fact, some of the people were spot-on. Exhibit A:

 

If it's the position I'm thinking of, it's basically a three-year internship. I've heard it pays dick, but they dangle the possibility of a full-time gig at the end of it.