So is McClatchy about to drop the hammer?

Best of luck, Bama.

 

Good luck Bama. At least you've got the right attitude about it, if nothing else.

SC - yikes. Wonder how that will change things.

 

Wow, they outsourced their printing to the Press-Tribune? That's crazy. I guess buying that new press a couple of years ago paid off for the Nampa paper.

 

Apparently Nampa has to upgrade something else prior to getting the Statesman's business, per the release.

 

I'm used to hearing about layoffs hitting those that have been there for years, the more experienced journalists.
Reading Bama's post shows, it looks like everyone is going to be affected.

 

That's the thing that startles me, too. Everyone it seems is fair game now.

 

I know that feels a little better to some of us, that newsroom isn't the only place getting the ax. But this cut, cut, cutting of the product/process is not going to save the industry. Gary Pruitt needs to forego all bonuses and cut his compensation in half, maybe two-thirds. Same with his lieutenants. Shedding IT people is no way to embrace the future and production matters, too. Finance? Hell, anyone can wield a red pencil, right?

 

Bama, The very best of luck to you. I've got a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach that a bunch of us might be joining you before the year's out. It's a scary prospect.

 

At my shop 35 got laid off, seven from the newsroom including me.

The people shown the door were mostly recent hires (like me), but there were some veterans in the meeting as well. One photog had over 20 years with the paper.

Since I started there about 20 months ago, at least 15 people left the newsroom and were not replaced, and now seven more. Staffing was already bare bones and the quality of the product has suffered noticeably. I can't imagine what's going to happen now.

Another banner day in the business.

 

damn. good luck whiskey and bama.

 

Good luck to those feeling the pain today.

It used to be, the business was better than most of us in it, and we were lucky if we had a shot to live up to its standards. Now most of us are better than this dying business, and we're lucky if we can grab an oar in a lifeboat, rather than going down with the miserable wreck.

Only problem with this seasick metaphor is that our captains don't go down with the ships. They get airlifted out by helicopter, with bundles of cash strapped under their life vests.