Gannett today resumes the slow torture of more than 30,000 newspaper division employees, still waiting to learn today — but maybe not until tomorrow — whether they’re among 600 workers being laid off at the company’s 84 community dailies. With the simultaneous elimination of 400 other division jobs, the downsizing is one of the newspaper industry’s biggest mass layoffs. (Paper-by-paper list of layoffs.)
No duh: Employees are mighty pissed about how Gannett’s handling this. A sampling of Gannett Blog comments — with one reader saying Corporate has now lost control over its employee communications:
- The decision to announce the layoffs last week, and then drop the hammer this week, borders on inhumane. It’s definitely cruel and unusual. There’s nothing quite like having a full weekend to worry about your future.
- This is all so Mickey Mouse. They announce it Friday, so that makes the weekend miserable. Then the cuts aren’t coming until Wednesday, so Mondays and Tuesdays are further misery. I can’t blame anyone saying they can’t stand the stress. You really have to ask yourself if you need to be treated this way by a company you have only shown loyalty towards.
- I think the day of an employee finding out anything from Gannett before Jim does is over. The way I see it, the word was given to publishers from Corporate on Wednesday of last week to send the word out to the employees by Friday about the layoffs. Jim found out the same day as the publishers. The publishers didn’t even have a chance to print their letters to their employees before it was posted on this blog.
All human resources employees: Can you please explain why Gannett could not announce these layoffs and tell those employees losing their jobs — all on the same day? Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write gannettblog[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the green sidebar, upper right.
Earlier: Corporate’s layoff instructions to newspaper publishers
[Image: yesterday’s State Journal front page, Newseum]
Gannett Blog 
August 19, 2008 at 4:13 AM |
http://www.edpadgett.com/blog/2008/08/mark-kurtich-former-svp-production-in.html
By Debra Gruszecki • The Desert Sun
PALM SPRINGS — Mark Kurtich, a former senior vice president executive of operations with the Los Angeles Times, has joined The Desert Sun as its production director.
Richard Ramhoff, the Sun’s president and publisher, said Kurtich brings considerable experience in management and production at newspapers both large and small.
“He began his career as a compositor and worked his way up into senior management,” Ramhoff said. “I’m confident that The Desert Sun will benefit greatly from his skills and savvy.”
Kurtich said he is thrilled to be at the production helm.
“I’ve been pleased with the dedication toward this newspaper, and its mission,” he said.
“Of all the employees, particularly the people I’ve been getting to know in the production side, there’s a real belief in this newspaper,” Kurtich said. “And, they understand the importance of serving our readers.”
Kurtich, the son of a printer, began his newspaper career at the Hartford Courant in Connecticut when the industry began its transition from the Linotype hot-metal typecasting to the digital age.
He rose through the ranks at the Courant to become that paper’s vice president of circulation, production and customer service.
Recruited in April 1997 to the Los Angeles Times by the Times Mirror Co. to manage an $80 million-plus operating budget and 1,200 employees in print and production, Kurtich selected and put into play $100 million of new capital equipment and technology.
While there, Kurtich had full responsibility for a $72 million operating budget and $120 million supply chain budget to oversee four production facilities, one being a wholly-owned subsidiary designed in 2002 to grow share in the highly competitive preprint market.
Later, the recipient of a Tribune Co. management award in 2002 for leadership and operational improvement led a $45 million upgrade as a precursor to print operation consolidation.
“Small is going to be more fun,” he said of The Desert Sun, noting that the size of the L.A. Times made it difficult to get to know co-workers. “Here, there’s camaraderie and teamwork.”
Initial goals for Kurtich include ensuring an effective and efficient operation and to capitalize on its quality.
“It’s a well-produced paper that will become more effective in helping the news and advertising side of the business deliver what customers need and want in a quality package,” he said.
August 19, 2008 at 7:29 AM |
Breaking News!!! Just weeks after Gannett announced the sale of their television station in Falgstaff. We wondered how long before it was going to be us at WLBZ in Bangor, Maine. Five lay-offs at WCSH in Portland and two in WLBZ were announced to us yesterday. Plus, the termination of our noon newscasts on the weekends. needless to say…we were not surprised.
August 19, 2008 at 8:16 AM |
Layoffs have started in Cherry Hill.
August 19, 2008 at 8:51 AM |
Layoffs have begun in Des Moines. Three longtime Register information center employees have been named, including one of the paper’s repeat national prize winning feature writers. Half dozen more to go, I’m told.
Why, in heaven’s name, didn’t they do everyone they were going to do at the same time?
August 19, 2008 at 9:23 AM |
If someone volunteers, can we really call that a layoff?
August 19, 2008 at 9:27 AM |
Wondering if Westchester was the only paper that had the layoffs occur on the day of the announcement (Thursday).
August 19, 2008 at 9:31 AM |
From Wilmington: A 20-something female features writer and an assistant librarian are among the first here.
August 19, 2008 at 9:34 AM |
This is Ken Fuson from the Des Moines Register. I know the timing is atrocious, but I’d like to point out for the record that I voluntary took a buyout. I was not laid off, and there was no pressure on me to take the buyout. This was my idea.
August 19, 2008 at 9:43 AM |
from ruthholladay.com
Layofff notices going out today at (indy) Star
The process of notifying 23 people at the Star of layoffs has begun.
Employees are being notified directly; the Guild is not getting a hit list.
However, the secretive process raises concerns for the Guild that Gannett is not honoring seniority. Are older workers being picked off in greater numbers than younger ones?
Talking to Human Resources at the paper is like talking to a voice mail message, said one staffer. There is no real conversation. So right now, it’s a lot of worry/wait, wait/worry.
What a lousy way to run a business. Especially a communications one…
(let the people say amen, sister!)
August 19, 2008 at 9:50 AM |
There must be a merger down the road in southern New York. The Rockland Journal News and the Poughkeepsie Journal cut the Managing Editor positions and these two guys were not old and were well respected and liked by the employees. The merger is actually not a bad idea but they should of kept these guys on, don’t let the Westchester Power Clique of upper management ruin these two good news gathering sites. Once again it looks like GCI is protecting the over 55 ex USAT guys.
August 19, 2008 at 9:55 AM |
Layoffs have started at the Asbury Park Press and also at the Home News Tribune in New Jersey.
Don’t know how many yet, but the joy is thick in the Garden State.
August 19, 2008 at 9:56 AM |
Gannett downgraded to “sell” …
Each business day, TheStreet.com Ratings updates its ratings on the stocks it covers. The proprietary ratings model projects a stock’s total return potential over a 12-month period, including both price appreciation and dividends. Buy, hold or sell ratings designate how the Ratings group expects these stocks to perform against a general benchmark of the equities market and interest rates.
While the ratings model is quantitative, it uses both subjective and objective elements. For instance, subjective elements include expected equities market returns, future interest rates, implied industry outlook and company earnings forecasts. Objective elements include volatility of past operating revenue, financial strength and company cash flows.
However, the rating does not incorporate all of the factors that can alter a stock’s performance. For example, it doesn’t always factor in recent corporate or industry events that could affect the stock price, nor does it include recent technology developments and competitive dynamics that may affect the company.
For those reasons, we believe a rating alone cannot tell the whole story, and that it should be part of an investor’s overall research.
The following ratings changes were generated on Friday, Aug. 15: Gannett, a news and information company that operates in two segments, newspaper publishing and broadcasting, was downgraded to sell.
The downgrade is driven by multiple weaknesses, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and which could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared with most of the stocks we cover.
The company’s weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its feeble growth in its earnings per share, deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, weak operating cash flow and generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself.
August 19, 2008 at 10:02 AM |
Apparently a copy editor let go at Louisville. Poor guy who killed off Muhammad Ali a few months ago by referring to his wife Lonnie as his “widow” in a front-page cutline.
August 19, 2008 at 10:06 AM |
Lay offs are in progress in Asbury. I know for sure, I was one of ’em.
August 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM |
I saw the note on E&P about layoffs in Burlington, and it mentioned that one of their local columnists, Ed Shamy, was among the layoffs.
Wow, I thought — laying off a columnist, that's kind of a surprising move. It made me curious about him, so I went to the Burlington website to look up his columns.
It appears that his most recent columns have been dematerialized — if you click on them, you get an error message saying the content is unavailable.
(His older columns appear to be in the paid archives — I didn't try to get any of those.)
August 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM |
anon, 11:06 – I’m very sorry to hear that.
August 19, 2008 at 10:09 AM |
APP person, are you newsroom or elsewhere? I am so sorry to hear it regardless. I got out, but am still in touch with folks and have been crossing my fingers.
August 19, 2008 at 10:18 AM |
Cherry Hill employees got an e-mail today that a rep from the employee assistance program would be on hand today to meet with employees. How nice of them.
August 19, 2008 at 10:22 AM |
I’m 11:06 – not newsroom. The writing was on the wall and I was making preparations to leave, so I guess its ok. I have no idea if there have been layoffs in the newsroom yet. Haven’t heard. If I hear more news, I’ll come back and post.
Thanks for the sympathies 🙂
August 19, 2008 at 10:29 AM |
I’m ex-APP and really curious to hear who is getting the axe over there. Anyone in the newsroom?
August 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM |
Two Assistant Metro Editors and one from the Art department so far at APP.
August 19, 2008 at 11:05 AM |
APP so far 10 people newsside – all of community sports, two ame’s, one graphic artist, librarian
In rest of bldg. we’re hearing lots in adv. sales…
August 19, 2008 at 11:06 AM |
In NJ, Mario Rojas, Matt Potter and Ed Montague were let go.
August 19, 2008 at 11:07 AM |
Asheville Citizen Times, one down with over 15 years of service and another down that was there only a few.
Two down, four to go…do it now before the blindfold falls off. The humanity of all this, make it stop.
August 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM |
Holy shit – at the APP, which AMEs?
August 19, 2008 at 11:12 AM |
What happens when these layoffs are history and the stock dives back down to pre layoff prices (as it is doing today)? Do they pink slip another round to appease Wall Street?
August 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM |
I heard somwhere near 20 ad folks in Asbury.
August 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM |
If vit wasn’t already there, I believe these cuts will be the nail in the coffin at APP. The community hates the paper as it is, and you’ve gotta believe quality is going to suffer even more now. People are gonna hate it even more now.
August 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM |
Cherry Hill — Classified advertising was hit badly and just about the entire Detail department is gone too. We lost a great IT guy, a great Marketing guy, at least one from Finance and a few from Circ. The Info Center seems to be untouched. Agewise it’s a rather even split – 45% under 40 and 55% over by my guess.
Anybody know about Ad Services or other Production staff?
August 19, 2008 at 11:37 AM |
Any word on timetables for exit? 30 minutes? 2 weeks? Shot to the head?
August 19, 2008 at 11:37 AM |
Well, this gets crazier by the minute at APP. My husband was just told no, he is not one of the folks getting laid off. His direct supervisor said yes, but that guy’s boss said no.
August 19, 2008 at 11:39 AM |
Collect your stuff and get out is what it boils down to. But why would you want to stick around????
August 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM |
Karen, how can that be? Did somebody meet with your husband to say he was laid off? This is nuts!
August 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM |
Hey Karen sorry about John. from ex app online manager.
August 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM |
Any metro reporters in Asbury?
August 19, 2008 at 11:50 AM |
You get one minute per year of service to clean out your desk.
August 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM |
12:39, fair point, but not a realistic option on short notice; not for us, anyway. John had talked to his supervisor, who had gotten the impression that the whole group of them was out. But according to Gary, that was a mistaken impression. Gary said John escaped the cuts. Not that it makes either of us feel better for those who aren’t. This whole situation is terrible.
August 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM |
does anyone have anymore information about Wilmington?
August 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM |
Any info from Bridgewater or East Brunswick?
August 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM |
What about the Florida papers? Who was laid off from Pensacola, Tallahassee, Brevard and Fort Myers?
August 19, 2008 at 12:11 PM |
Word is the Cherry Hill newsroom is safe this time.
August 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM |
Any more information on Louisville?
August 19, 2008 at 12:22 PM |
Any word about Indy?
August 19, 2008 at 12:26 PM |
Any word on Des Moines?
August 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM |
1:08, re: Florida–
Brevard and Ft. Myers will probably wait until those who risked their lives to cover Tropical Storm Fay have returned. Only then will they be made to walk the plank!
August 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM |
Jeez, it’s like hearing the Trade Center came down and looking for survivors.
August 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM |
Wilmington ppl! Any info??????I’m shakin in my boots
August 19, 2008 at 12:41 PM |
1:34 PM, I have been thinking the same thing.
August 19, 2008 at 12:42 PM |
Hey, how come posts with names are being removed?
August 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM |
Don’t know about other Florida papers, but Fort Myers was told no layoffs as they just had a round of job cuts last month.
August 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM |
Anon 1:11 — The entire newsroom at Cherry Hill IS safe. This time, anyway. You wouldn't believe what a room full of people finally exhaling after five days sounds like.
As I was walking into the office this morning, a stream of ad folks were walking out and carrying their boxes. It's really pretty heartbreaking. Even those of us who didn't lose our jobs today were teary-eyed, and I can't even begin to tally how many hugs I've received from people whose names I don't even know. I've got my fingers crossed for all you guys. ❤
August 19, 2008 at 12:55 PM |
who was let go in the APP advertising dept.?? Managers??sales reps??
August 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM |
It seems to have calmed down at the APP – no one else in the newsroom since the last post. People from the night desk and sports have yet to come in though.
August 19, 2008 at 1:05 PM |
So far I’ve been able to identify 6 of the 14 at Greenville. The last librarian they had was let go (and the EE’s sitter, er, admin asst is now the librarian.) Production lost one, the rest in sales.
August 19, 2008 at 1:08 PM |
FYI: at the APP and HNT, artists do everything from page design for section fronts to graphics/charts, illustrations, web content, oversee photo shoots for projects and conceptualizing for projects. Big job, big losses.
August 19, 2008 at 1:11 PM |
As of 2:oo pm Tuesday, stock dropped about 75 cents. Once the layoffs are accomplished, the stock dive will continue. Prediction: Gannett stock will drop and keep dropping ’cause the end is near for newspapers and Gannett has not idea how to make internet work. The empty suits at the papers and the morons at the top in Virginia remain. Only the hardworking have been chopped but still many losers remain.
August 19, 2008 at 1:18 PM |
What if you’re off or on vacation? Will someone call you at home to tell you not to bother coming in anymore?
August 19, 2008 at 1:22 PM |
What 1 or 2 positions in Hattiesburg?
August 19, 2008 at 1:29 PM |
@1:42 pm: I removed that one because the commenter said two people had been “fired.” I believe they meant laid off. There’s a world of difference, as I’m sure you understand.
August 19, 2008 at 1:32 PM |
What’s happening with the app circulation dept? We have not heard a word yet. The torture continues!!
August 19, 2008 at 1:44 PM |
Any word on the Arizona Republic> I’m sitting in the newsroom and everyone looks frightened. I’m hoping that Kiera Nothaft will be one of the first to get the boot so I can jump up and cheer!!!!! I swear, I will do it!
August 19, 2008 at 1:48 PM |
@2:11 – Bingo. Looks for the $14 mark coming soon.
August 19, 2008 at 2:08 PM |
From Wilmington: A longtime newsroom administrator. Several people in other departments, but no details.
August 19, 2008 at 2:20 PM |
Also in Wilmington, a features reporter who has been here maybe a year or so and an assistant librarian.
August 19, 2008 at 2:30 PM |
In Wilmington: anyone let go in sports?
August 19, 2008 at 2:46 PM |
Is there any information on the specific criteria used to decide who was laid off?
August 19, 2008 at 2:48 PM |
any one know if NJ is close to the 50 figure? I work nights & wonder what fate our already skeleton crew is facing in a few hours.
August 19, 2008 at 2:51 PM |
Well I can only speak for myself,but I was just let go – (Bridgewater)Circulation Sales Manager. Put in 13 years and many weekends and evenings (In fact I just spent 4 hours this past Saturday at an event at a local store promoting the CN reading program and NIE) Thanks ex-boss! Well, I will have a good cry and get on to the business of finding a job- tough at 57 but I’m sure there will be something. Guess I won’t be putting a new roof on my house. I feel for those who have families to support and huge mortgages to pay. My 25 year old daughter has been making more money than I was for a while now! My best to all of you that have been let go and keep your head up high.
August 19, 2008 at 2:52 PM |
doesn't seem like seniority played a role in production dept at APP. One person with a few yrs. in was let go & two with 20+ yrs. in that I know of. People in between 2-20 yrs. still hanging on.
August 19, 2008 at 2:57 PM |
There was no seniority done with this, I was one of the unlucky and I had 10 years. I was at the NJ group. It is shame what happened today, people that gave everything they had were let go. I am trying to look at it as a blessing cause we all know the work load was not going to get better.
August 19, 2008 at 3:02 PM |
Did they even TRY to look for dead weight? We lost some great people today.
And was anyone offered a buyout? That idea was completely nixed here in Indianapolis, even though more than enough were ready to hit the road.
August 19, 2008 at 3:03 PM |
I agree with 3:52 – at the APP, those let go in the newsroom run the gamut from having been here a year or two to those with many more years under their belt – two are in their 20s and three were 40
ish and older
August 19, 2008 at 3:04 PM |
Helen Keller said: when one door closes, another one opens. Often, we are so busy looking at the closed door we fail to see the one that has opened. I wish all of those laid off at any time in their careers to realize that life does go on and believe it or not, many times better things happen.
I have walked in your shoes and I can tell you, life has many blessings and surprises. Hold your head high. Be grateful for the people you met and take pride in the work you did. You are not defined by your job.
August 19, 2008 at 3:25 PM |
What is to become of the breaking news team at the APP with Nirmal gone? Anyone know?
August 19, 2008 at 3:33 PM |
“Jeez, it’s like hearing the Trade Center came down and looking for survivors.”
Um, no, it’s not. Not even close. Yeah, this sucks big-time but let’s get a grip here, folks.
August 19, 2008 at 3:34 PM |
4:25, no news yet, I don’t think. It seems the group affected by the lay off of one of the metro editors is meeting now. Hopefully there will be a staff meeting in the days to come.
August 19, 2008 at 3:38 PM |
Thank you, 4:35. I found out today that I’m being laid off and have been distraught and your message brought me hope.
August 19, 2008 at 3:46 PM |
From Des Moines’ EE Carolyn Washburn:
I want to announce the results of the layoffs that Laura announced last Friday. This week we have to say goodbye to five colleagues: Jane Norman, Jeff Bash, Steve Dinnen, Mike Malloy and Carl Benskin. In addition, some people will receive new assignments so that we fill positions internally. That will mean a bit of disruption in the near term, but it was important to us to find the best fits possible for the unique requirements of each job. We have talked to most of those folks today and will finalize a couple of remaining changes within a week. Next week we will have an updated organizational chart. Obviously this is very difficult for everyone. I appreciate your support for each other, and your dedication to serving the community that is dealing with tough times of its own.
Carolyn
August 19, 2008 at 4:07 PM |
Well. At least someone told the truth. This WAS all about laying off people and nothing about eliminating positions.
August 19, 2008 at 4:34 PM |
Lansing started today at 4:00p… so far 2 in Advertising, 1 in Circ, 1 in Marketing, 1 in Production and 1 in Finance. That leaves two left to go…
August 19, 2008 at 4:59 PM |
Is it just here or are all the other executive editors pussying out and making department heads do the firing?
Not having the balls to personally lay off people who have worked for you shows what kind of “leadership” we are dealing with.
August 19, 2008 at 5:04 PM |
7 in “information center” laid off
Here is the list from the Indianapolis Guild, which represents 214 employees:
Greg Fisher, Kelly Kendall, Mark Koenig, Jim Herman, Jonathon LaRosa,
Kathleen Singleton, Mark C Morrow.
According to a Guild spokesperson: Fisher is a long time picture editor; Kendall has had two tours of duty here and was an exempt ass’t features editor; Koenig was a new hire who was to start work this week; Herman held several management positions here over the years; LarRosa and Singleton were paraprofessionals with low seniority.
The news of layoffs came from exec editor Dennis Ryerson in person or through a telephone call.
Also, there were 23 layoffs total. Others were not in the newsroom or building services and not covered by the contract.
Exec editor Ryerson pointed out these people are being laid off, not fired. They can reapply for jobs if and when they become available.
Check the Guild’s web site for more info, to be posted soon:
http://einkling.wordpress.com/
August 19, 2008 at 5:12 PM |
As someone who spent 20 years in Gannett, let me say how sorry I am to all of my former coworkers who have been told their services are no longer needed and to those who still lose sleep while waiting. As someone who left Gannett a year ago of my own volition–not forced out, but certainly made to feel unwelcome in the brave new world–I can say that the water in the post-Gannett world is great. Yes, I’ve made some lifestyle changes and yes, finding health insurance is a pain (and I have no pre-existing conditions). But I have a freedom in working for myself that I never thought I’d have. I perhaps work harder, but for a more moral boss (myself) than I ever did before. My salary is almost up to what I made before I left (though self employment taxes take a bigger bite) and no one is funding my pension or my 401(k) but me.
But life is good. You need to hear that today. But more than that, you need to hear something that you haven’t heard in a good while: no matter what department you’re in, you have skills. And someone on the outside wants those skills. You may have been made to feel as if you have absolutely no value and you should thank God daily for mama Gannett, but that’s a lie, one meant to trap you there. Don’t just look at what you’ve done, look at what skills you’ve acquired and see how they translate into the new world. It may not be in media at all. So dig deeper, hang in there and I can say as one who’s been there before, life will look a lot different this time next year.
And to those who survive the hatchet at this point, I’d only offer this: never feel trapped. You always have options and it may take some creativity to find them. But don’t get roped in by the “golden handcuffs” that Gannett is so good at keeping its staff in check with. The notion that you’ll never find something else that you love as much as journalism, or you’ll never make as much, is just that — a lie.
My thoughts are with you all…
August 19, 2008 at 5:25 PM |
As I posted yesterday, Brevard did not wait. All layoffs were completed on Monday starting around 9am.
August 19, 2008 at 5:26 PM |
to 5:07 I was told my position was eliminated. period. To 6:12 and every former employee who has commented on this blog, I thank you- as it gives me the hope, courage and strength I need right now.
August 19, 2008 at 6:00 PM |
East Brunswick -Part time receptionist,maintance guy,3 in advertising dept.,anyone else now of more people???
August 19, 2008 at 6:17 PM |
All told, it seems that APP lost six newsroom employees today: two assistant metro editors, the librarian, a member of the art department, the sports editor of the community weeklies, and a member of the daily sports department. Unless there were more that happened after 5 p.m.
August 19, 2008 at 6:33 PM |
East Brunswick – 1 in Art department APP -Manager of Finance add to list
August 19, 2008 at 6:49 PM |
NJ Group finally put something up about what they did at 5:22 pm. There was no mention in the paper at all to date.
Gannett eliminates N.J. jobs
STAFF REPORT
Gannett Co. Inc. eliminated 120 full- and part-time positions Tuesday at its six newspapers in New Jersey due to deteriorating business conditions.
The layoffs took place at the Asbury Park Press, the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, the Home News Tribune in East Brunswick, the Courier News in Bridgewater, the Daily Record in Parsippany and the Daily Journal in Vineland.
“Business conditions continue to deteriorate for our customers and, as a result,
advertising revenues have not stabilized,” said Thomas M. Donovan, president and publisher of the Asbury Park Press and vice president of Gannett’s East Newspaper Group.
“We have worked hard through the first half of this year to maintain tight expense
controls. Unfortunately, economic conditions have grown worse, forcing us to cut expenses further,” Donovan said.
Employees who lost their jobs were provided severance pay based on their years of service to the company.
August 19, 2008 at 7:13 PM |
That’s lame to (publicly) wish for someone’s demise. At least put your real name on it if you’re going to hex real people. Goodness.
August 19, 2008 at 7:18 PM |
8:13 has a good point. Plus, 8:01 lost all credibility after lumping in T.C. with those others. T.C. works his ass off and actually cares about his staff. What a concept.
August 19, 2008 at 7:21 PM |
8:13 – Did you mean, Good Lord? LOL.
August 19, 2008 at 7:31 PM |
East Brunswick lost ONE fantastic staffer in the ADS department; the other two were reassigned to Bridgewater ADS department where they lost NO ONE. That’s right folks, now there are 2 managers, 6 graphic designers, 1 classified paginator/graphic designer, 1 copy entry/proofreader, 1 EPSer, and 1 email processor. Must be nice to live in the merry old land of Oz!
August 19, 2008 at 8:04 PM |
Same goes regarding the Advertising Department. Most cuts were at the East Brunswick location. 2 managers were let go at E. Brunswick while Bridgewater stills has their BS managers.
August 19, 2008 at 8:14 PM |
App in TR lost two in Advertising.
August 19, 2008 at 8:23 PM |
Plenty of BS to go ’round in both East Brunswick AND Bridgewater, in my experience.
August 19, 2008 at 8:33 PM |
Looks like Bridgewater was untouchable in the advertising department, thought it was supposed to be managers that went. Looks like they missed some. The ladies from East Brunswick were hard workers and dedicated to the paper. I have seen them work their asses off but I guess someone had it out for them. Sad losses for that department, they had also worked well with me over the years,.
August 19, 2008 at 8:41 PM |
Hey Jim
Interesting that 4 innocent folks are named in the 8:01pm blog from Arizona for no other reason than one individual holding a grudge, whereas in the past couple of months, when managers (usually from a certain NJ paper) whose name(s) or initials have come up, the blog(s) get deleted. Why is that? Do libel rules apply only to the chosen few?
August 19, 2008 at 8:44 PM |
And which paper could we be talking about?
August 19, 2008 at 8:45 PM |
9:41 pm: Thanks. It’s now gone.
August 19, 2008 at 8:48 PM |
Yup Bridgewater was untouchable in advertising as well as ad production. And the Courier News circulation is one-half to two-thirds that of the Home News. Go figure. Wonder what the publisher has to say about that.
August 19, 2008 at 8:50 PM |
As he would say, his hands were tied. Who is really running the paper?
August 19, 2008 at 8:56 PM |
I am extremely appreciative to Jim for this blog, and I have been on it a great deal since I was laid off this week.
But let me offer a word of advice to others who have lost their jobs in the 2008 Gannett massacre – get away from the computer and your cell phone for awhile. Go for a long walk. Head for the local pool and swim awhile. Play a round of tennis or golf if you can, go for a long run if that’s your chosen outlet. If you have little kids, take them to a playground and enjoy just being with them in the middle of what would otherwise be a work day.
There will be plenty of time to obsess over what’s next. But all of us laid-off folk must preserve our mental health, for our families’ sakes and our own.
Personally, today I went to see an old movie, and it was a welcome distraction from so many heavy thoughts on my mind. I came home much better able to deal with the pile of emails and phone messages from concerned and upset colleagues, friends and relatives.
This is an awful time right now, and I am so angry and sad and revolted at the way I have been treated that I’m nearly nauseous, but all things must pass, and this will as well. In the meantime, again thank you to Jim for making us a community.
August 19, 2008 at 8:57 PM |
Is this over and done with – or can we expect more of the same for tomorrow?
Today was absolutely horrible, waiting to find out who the next casualty was. The way that management carried this out felt very much like a hit and run.
We lost some really great, talented people at the Asbury Park Press. I did not get the opportunity to work with all of them – but they will be sorely missed.
August 19, 2008 at 9:34 PM |
It’s not over. As far as I can tell they haven’t started any of the layoffs yet at the 11 Wisconsin papers.
August 19, 2008 at 9:36 PM |
Shocking that the Bridgewater Ad people were spared and that so many at Asbury and E. Brunswick were laid off. Most of those people in Bridgewater don’t even show up until well after the work day starts. From what I have seen when forced to go there, the place is a joke.
I guess we’ll see how it all plays out in the months ahead.
August 19, 2008 at 9:38 PM |
An APP employee here: I have to laugh at the posting of 2:08 regarding the “extensive” work of the art dept. That crew and it’s gang leaders long has escaped all scrutiny. And now it loses a young woman from it’s over-staffed roster and it’s bawling? That’s chutzpah. But it’s worked for them this long.
August 19, 2008 at 9:41 PM |
I have to agree with 10:38…some of those people maintained the worst attitudes in the building…how so many of them have been spared over and over is beyond me…
August 19, 2008 at 9:44 PM |
APP had a bloodbath in the Classified dept, a seemingly endless string of people being called into the manager’s office and let go. A few people in APP ADS, two copy editors in Special Sections/Advertorial, 6 or 8 people in the newsroom.
HNT lost two excellent people in Advertising. Not sure why the cuts weren’t made on the Bridgewater side of things (where incompetence runs riot).
VERY depressing day.
August 19, 2008 at 9:51 PM |
Back in college, one of my mentors said this to me: “Manage your career. No one else is going to do it for you.”
I say that only because, as a 22-year Gannett veteran, I feel like I have survived as long as I have — and with as much mental health as I have — because I have taken it upon myself to manage my career. When I could, I took night classes at my local college and got a master’s degree. I taught myself new skills in technology, went to conferences, spent hours learning new ways to do things.
So if I get laid off, or if the paper or the company shuts down, at least I have some technology skills I can take somewhere. What most newspaper people don’t realize is that, outside of journalism, most of the skills you get paid for — and which are so valuable to the newspaper — really don’t mean much in the general business world. That’s why a well-paid reporter will take a 30%-40% pay cut when switching industries — and that’s optimistic.
So, if you can, learn a lesson from this. Manage your career! Always have an escape plan. Keep your resume tuned up and always ask yourself, “What would I be doing if this went away.”
Beyond that, manage your money! No matter what you earn, learn to live within your means and not by racking up unnecessary debt. Save for a rainy day. Like now.
August 19, 2008 at 9:58 PM |
We will be doing our layoffs on Monday. We too will be losing some great people. The confusion part is that we are losing revenue generating positions. Not sure how cutting position that bring in more money then they are paid will help reverse the declining revenue trend.
August 19, 2008 at 9:59 PM |
In regards to 8/19/2008 8:31 PM, about ADS East Brunswick. There will still be one designer & a copy/proofer left there. That designer will be processing all ads to be sent to the Courier in Bridgewater to be either produced by that staff or sent off to 2ADPro. The two designers that are being sent to the Courier will work with the ADS staff there, but have been told they will return to the HNT in the first quarter of 2009; after the Courier building is sold. With the Courier staff in tow? Only the managers of ADS know for sure. We will miss our lead designer who was let go at the HNT extremley. He is a great artist and human being. God bless Frank Rosato. God Bless all who were let go today and all those who remain.
August 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM |
Be sure of this…quality will suffer and revenue will continue to go down the toilet. You can’t cut sales staff to nothing and expect to generate more revenue. It doesn’t work that way. Cutting staff down to nothing in any dept. isn’t going to make the quality of the product better. And if the people making the decisions don’t understand that, its no wonder why we’re in this mess in the first place.
August 20, 2008 at 9:52 AM |
Here at the APP they got rid of the night proofreader who they laid off two months ago and then hired back. Makes sense, right… idiots!
Rumor has it that next wave is going to be in November. Does anyone know how true this is? I wish they would just lay me off already. The other rumor is that they will have everyone out of the Toms River building by the end of the year. Again, does anyone know how true this is?
And how the heck does the picking of who gets let go of??? Because all of us know WHO should go (days in ADS). One in particular gets paid to run the show and does absolutely NOTHING! Oh wait, yes he does….he bs-es with a certain manager ALL day (don’t think his nose can get any browner), walks around, and is always outside smoking!
August 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM |
10:52, I know exactly of whom you are speaking. Couldn’t agree more. I know a lot of real workers that were given the heave yesterday in Asbury, while a lot of the “fat” was left. It should have been cut.
August 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM |
Another lost in the APP newsroom – a young woman who has been here a year.
August 20, 2008 at 12:13 PM |
i know who 1052 & 1142 are referring to and most of us are positively SICK about him still loafing around. They cut good workers yesterday – people who actually produced – and kept on this waste, who was actually arrogant enough to be giddy yesterday. Hey – we all understand if he was relieved to still be employed because seriously with his HS diploma and little else, where would he be getting his next job? But to be happy yesterday, you've got to be a complete moron. Even if the writing on the wall didn't spell out your name this time…. the end is near for all of us. Only a fool would think otherwise. But that probably explains it.
August 20, 2008 at 2:09 PM |
He’s a doofus. Hopefully those of us who got the boot yesterday will all land on our feet, because somehow, they let go of the people with talent, values, work ethic, etc. A moron like that will hang on thinking he will be safe forever. Good luck to him, he’s gonna need it. He’s on a sinking ship and it doesn’t sound like anyone is gonna throw him a life preserver.
August 20, 2008 at 2:12 PM |
Your OC members were the ones who came up with the names for the ‘sacrificial offering’. I saw no consideration for talent, job function or seniority – just seemed like the ones the boss didn’t like because they didn’t kiss ass or they questioned actions. And yes 1:13,I too heard people laughing yesterday as people were being laid off. How disrespectful and cruel.
August 20, 2008 at 2:24 PM |
There are some also who seem to think if they have a hand in the outsourcing (2adpro & AOS) that they are safe. Keep thinking that way ad traffiker… you'll be really dumbfounded when you find yourself in the unemployment line as well. From what I understand someone from HNT had a hand in those very same things (and More!)and found this morning that he didn't have to get up for work. No disrespect for him – he was a great guy… i'm thinking about ad traffiker… you should have been a little more respectful of your coworkers yesterday… you know… laugh lines add wrinkles…
August 20, 2008 at 2:38 PM |
Would love to know who you are talking about. Care to give a clue.
August 20, 2008 at 3:42 PM |
if you know ADS at APP Neptune… think who has a primary job function of sending & receiving ads from 2AdPro & AOS… or if you were in the office yesterday… a person who is not management that is thinking she will be the last one left, and was pretty self-righteous in that thought.
August 20, 2008 at 4:34 PM |
10:52, you couldn’t have said it any better! He is the biggest jerk I have ever met. I am from sales and I hate when I have to deal with him. He is such an arrogant bastard! It’s incredible how he gets away with the way he speaks to sales when we approach him. Not to mention every time I go over to the art dept, he is hardly in his seat and if he is, he is online or playing with his cell phone. Hmmm, wonder how many rules he breaks in a day?! But hey, let’s keep someone like this….
August 20, 2008 at 6:19 PM |
RE:Go figure. Wonder what the publisher has to say about that.
8/19/2008 9:48 PM
The publisher of CN and HNT has nothing to say about it. Its pretty obvious that he is not the one running the show (hint : the lack of lay offs in Bridgewater or the CN) Here is an idea. Gannett should get rid of him.that would fit right into their salary budget. He has no idea on how to run a newspaper. So sad…….
August 20, 2008 at 7:12 PM |
Anonymous said…
There are some also who seem to think if they have a hand in the outsourcing (2adpro & AOS) that they are safe. Keep thinking that way ad traffiker… you'll be really dumbfounded when you find yourself in the unemployment line as well. From what I understand someone from HNT had a hand in those very same things (and More!)and found this morning that he didn't have to get up for work. No disrespect for him – he was a great guy… i'm thinking about ad traffiker… you should have been a little more respectful of your coworkers yesterday… you know… laugh lines add wrinkles…
8/20/2008 3:24 PM
In response, He at the HNT who was let go yesterday is indeed a great guy. He only sent the 2ADpro ads because he was doing what he was told. NOT because he wanted to. He did not voluteer for the job, he was the lead designer for God's sake! He loathed sending them and was selective what he sent for the most part. The weekly quota was never met. Now the Courier will have to send them. Because "they" broke up the HNT ADS staff. I really think such staff will be history, once the Courier building is sold and the move the HNT completed in 2009.
In response to 10:52, 11:42, 1:13, 3:09 & 5:34: He is indeed arrogant and has been loafing for years. I worked there under him for 2 years and He would pass work to me that was given to him, once a sales rep left his desk with a request to fix something. It did not matter that I was handling sometimes 2 or 3 ads already. Git'r'Done!!! Right! Watch yourself, Gannett will Git'r'Done soon enough with him too!
August 20, 2008 at 7:45 PM |
Does this M an K eep the rumor mill open,along with not doing his job?
August 20, 2008 at 9:15 PM |
Anonymous said…
Your OC members were the ones who came up with the names for the ‘sacrificial offering’. I saw no consideration for talent, job function or seniority – just seemed like the ones the boss didn’t like because they didn’t kiss ass or they questioned actions. And yes 1:13,I too heard people laughing yesterday as people were being laid off. How disrespectful and cruel.
8/20/2008 3:12 PM
anon 3:12 PM – Are you still employed here? I too agree that people were let go of in many cases on the basis of personality…not seniority, job function, work ethic, etc. I can think of a few who would have been better to let go…
August 20, 2008 at 9:41 PM |
Does this M an K eep the rumor mill open,along with not doing his job?
8/20/2008 8:45 PM
As I recall he was always yakking and gossiping, like a old lady! Looks like he still is, as these previous posts are indicating. For others, this person is at one the the NJ group newspapers ad production. Hmm, production. Really a word that does not describe him! 😉
August 21, 2008 at 9:25 AM |
anon 10:15 – No I am no longer part of Gannett and I was the one who heard laughing while I was packing up my things. That hurt more than anything. My boss, who undermined, talked bad about everyone (even fellow OC members) and threw folks under the bus,was very happy to see me go.
August 21, 2008 at 4:06 PM |
10:25 AM
Ouch. That would have hurt me, too. Hope you had a good day, and if you didn’t, I just know tomorrow will be better!
August 21, 2008 at 8:33 PM |
That is true. HR and certain directors/managers at HNT (NJ group) had no respect what so ever for the unfortunate people that got the axe. It was disgusting.
September 4, 2008 at 8:37 PM |
Oh my! Give it you Gannett robots! As an ex-Gannett staffer, I HATE Gannett. I am happy for the layoffs, I am happy to see the stock fall to worthless…. I HATE Gannett and anyone who has stayed with them gets what they deserve! 1,000 employees laid off??? Whaaa, whaaa … what do you expect from idiots like Phil Curry and his gang of “corporate insiders?” Give it up folks…. go work at the corner grocery!