Seattle Times cutting 200 jobs

at some point in time, we need to realize there "ain't no" good fight remaining in this business.

and trust me, the buzz fades after awhile.

 

Here's the list posted on the Seattle Guild's page:

Also, the suburban bureaus are being closed and everybody in the North and East bureaus are being shitcanned.

And it gets even better ...

 

Speaking of the Seattle Times, a few years ago they made a big noise about buying a bunch of Maine papers. Never mind.

http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/023900.html

I can guarantee that JRC is not in a buying mood, but who is?

 

"While this is difficult news, it is important to note that the Seattle Times Company and the brands we represent remain market leaders."

This would be like the Florida Marlins saying they are still contenders after trading away all of their superstars. (either time)

 

It's pretty easy to be a market leader when you have a JOA and no real competition. It's critical that cities with a legit 2+ papers (Chicago, DC, NY, LA) stay that way, because once you drop down to one it's a lot easier to cut 20% or whatever of your workforce and remain a "market leader".

 

Moderator1 ---

Just wondering -- how hard was it to make the jump you made? And what was the most important thing you needed to get across in the interview to convince them you could make the jump?

 

As I've said, I'll help put out a product for my paper's subscribers...even if that number is in the single digits.

 

Uh, I'd consider Seattle P-I real competition for the Times (even with the JOA), particularly after this bloodletting. But I agree with your point.

Regardless, it's a sad day for those involved, the industry and a great newspaper town.

 

The most surprising thing about this is that it didn't happen earlier. The Times did an insane amount of hiring in the earlier part of this decade and has been losing money for years.

 

The final number (for the moment): 125. Fifty-two people left voluntarily (51 took buyout offers), 73 got punted, and all that's in addition to 60 open positions that will never be filled.

Nineteen people accepted buyouts in the newsroom. Fifteen newsroom employees were laid off, including (as previously noted) most of the suburban bureau people.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004404677_timescuts10.html

 

No offense to her, but you wanna save some money? Don't have a damn spokeswoman for a newspaper.

 

Reminds me of an old SNL Weekend Update crack...someone was "reporting" massive layoffs somewhere. the punchline was: "A spokesperson said 'Are you hiring?'"