Your newsroom atmosphere

[jakewriter82]

What's it like?
I'm sure this has come up before, but I couldn't find anything directly addressing my question.

Our newsroom, at least among us deskers, is very divided.
I'd say it's divided to the point where if I were choking on a pretzel, unless the guy who sits next to me were working, I'm not so sure someone on slot would help me from suffocating.
On Thursday we sat here alone for 2 1/2 hours while the slot crew ate Turkey together. They didn't have to invite us, but they also didn't have to make it be known that they were having dinner that we weren't invited to.
Is there anything I can do?
I know a guy who used to work on the desk here and he said it's been going on for a while.
Has anyone here ever been in a similar situation?
Would it be worth it to bring my concern to HR?

 

[thegrifter]

At my last couple of shops, we were all like family. Everyone got along, did drinking together. Still get together when people make it in town.
At my current gig, it kinda sucks. No gatherings. Little interaction. People come in to work and it's just a job where they would prefer to work in silence than deal with other people.

 

[Rockbottom]

About 71 degrees, with a bit of a draft from the A/C. :)

In all seriousness (though one of them who lurks here can contradict me), our guys seem to be pretty close. Good communication, lively atmosphere, etc. We aren't drinking buddies, per se, but we all get along and get the job done.

rb

 

[EStreetJoe]

It's a pretty close newsroom. Everyone gets along with everyone else, although there are times when sports is relegated to second-class status. Whenever a longtime newssider leaves (or a summer news intern) there will be a cake or some kind of "farewell/goodbye" celebration in the newsroom. We don't get interns in sports, but the last time a 10-year veteran of the sports department left, there was nothing - no newsroom farewell celebration/cake - no nothing. Most newssiders didn't know he had left and asked "Where has he been for the last few weeks?" shortly after he left.

 

[Tom Petty]

the most chill newsroom i've ever worked in. i think it's a true reflection on the editor. i haven't heard a single oh my god-type response since i've been there. it's a nice change.

 

[jakewriter82]

Part of the problem here, I think, is the number of layoffs recently.
Apparently the editor says the company is finished laying off people, but still the atmosphere stays ice cold on most days...Which is exactly the opposite of my last place where we were such a tiny place so everyone knew everyone.

 

[thegrifter]

It's a pretty close newsroom. Everyone gets along with everyone else, although there are times when sports is relegated to second-class status. Whenever a longtime newssider leaves (or a summer news intern) there will be a cake or some kind of "farewell/goodbye" celebration in the newsroom. We don't get interns in sports, but the last time a 10-year veteran of the sports department left, there was nothing - no newsroom farewell celebration/cake - no nothing. Most newssiders didn't know he had left and asked "Where has he been for the last few weeks?" shortly after he left.

wow! you all do farewell celebrations? Can't remember the last time we did that for anyone.

 

[imjustagirl2]

Our sports department has a great atmosphere, lots of give and take and fun and laughter, though I don't think many of us hang out off the clock. There are 3-4 who hang out with each other and go to games, but most of us work and then leave.

We are, however, very separate from news. I talk to lots of people over there, but there's very little actual mingling...our departments are physically separate.

 

[EStreetJoe]

It's a pretty close newsroom. Everyone gets along with everyone else, although there are times when sports is relegated to second-class status. Whenever a longtime newssider leaves (or a summer news intern) there will be a cake or some kind of "farewell/goodbye" celebration in the newsroom. We don't get interns in sports, but the last time a 10-year veteran of the sports department left, there was nothing - no newsroom farewell celebration/cake - no nothing. Most newssiders didn't know he had left and asked "Where has he been for the last few weeks?" shortly after he left.

wow! you all do farewell celebrations? Can't remember the last time we did that for anyone.

They do 'em for newsies, but us sports folks don't get 'em.

 

[wickedwritah]

Maybe the sports folks should do them for sports folk?

 

[EStreetJoe]

Maybe the sports folks should do them for sports folk?

We don't make a big production in the office. We usually do a farewell lunch a day or two after the last day or go out for drinks after the final shift, but that's about it.

 

[Appgrad05]

We're one big family. And, by that, I mean there is plenty of fighting, bickering and back-talking. But we love each other anyways.

 

[thegrifter]

Maybe the sports folks should do them for sports folk?

We don't make a big production in the office. We usually do a farewell lunch a day or two after the last day or go out for drinks after the final shift, but that's about it.

They don't do them for anyone, here. News nor sports.

 

[spaceman]

going away parties are overrated.

better to give a party for the people who stay.

 

[Tom Petty]

going away parties are overrated.

better to give a party for the people who stay.

dude, that should be one of the 10 commandments.

solid post.

 

[Damaramu]

Well, I am the sports department. I like me, I like me a lot. So I think things are going good in that department.

But as for the whole newsroom. The news reporters and I get along really well. We're all really united in our dislike for our penny pinching publisher.

 

[Chi City 81]

Am I the only one who thinks of this guy every time Ramalamadingdong mentions his "penny pinching publisher":

 

[jlee]

The newsroom atmosphere is pretty open and laid back here. Definitely a reflection of the town itself though. My first week here I crashed on the SE's couch, just like everyone else who's started here in the past 20-or-so years. Much like AppGrad's shop: lots of bickering, but that's just family business.

 

[spikechiquet]

The whole sports department is wonderful...the SE is the BOMB! He is funny, gracious, no-ego, likes new ideas and let's me do whatever I need to do to get the job done.






Oh, did I mention that I work a one-man sports crew?

 

[WS]

I'm pretty blessed as well, for right now, at a 32K. That's also because we have a pretty good publisher and managing editor who have strong visions for the entire newsroom and also they know the importance of sports. Circulation, surprisingly, has gone up in the last year though it's still a little short of what it used to be. I know it won't be like this forever, but right now it's going well.

We all get along pretty well, though sometimes someone might send in a 28-incher when it's unnecessary. I've got pretty good friends in the newsroom who range from close to my age to 15-20 years older. Sometimes we'll hang out, watch a game, do lunch, etc., but not 24/7. There is one woman in features who talks real loud and has a very annoying laugh, but I think those are everywhere. She means well, though.