Posted on 10/15/2007 5:29:42 PM PDT by LdSentinal
FLINT (WJRT) - (10/15/07)--Staffing cuts at the Flint Journal should be clarified by the end of the month. The publisher of Flint's largest newspaper blames the economy for the cuts.
The Flint Journal's publisher says the paper is offering voluntary buyouts to staff members, but there will be no layoffs.
According to Dave Sharp, the publisher of the Flint Journal, staff members have been offered voluntary buyouts in order to reduce expenses.
Sharp declined an on-camera interview and added no one else at the Journal would be authorized to talk about it.
The employees would be offered four weeks' pay for every year of service, plus paid medical benefits.
Sharp says he has no target number of employees he's trying to buy out, but the process should be complete by Oct. 29.
For readers, it may result in some familiar columnists, reporters and photographers disappearing from the publication.
A publisher of magazines in Flint says he feels the moves are caused by the declining ad market and a shift to more people getting their news online.
"I personally think it's sad because I know right now this town is suffering in a lot of ways," said Uncommon Sense publisher Matt Zacks.
"I think what's going to happen is the Flint Journal will go toward free lancers and a lot of times there might not be people who have a personal stake in the community, so some of the stories aren't going to be as powerful."
A similar buyout offer is being made to employees of the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, a sign the newspaper business -- especially in Michigan -- is hurting.
"There's a real struggle with newspapers right now," Zacks said. "Obviously the Internet -- especially with my generation -- is becoming the primary source for gathering information."
Sharp insists the circulation of the Journal is strong, claiming it was the only newspaper in the state to grow in circulation last year.
But he says the local economy is too weak and its staff is too large, forcing them to, quote: "align staffing with volume."
“Endorsed Ho Chi Kerry in 2004.”
Sounds like another case of the Dixie Chick Marketing program.
Where the business, person, fishwrap show their BDS and end up POing about 50% of their market.
In that area, that 50% can read and writer, thus leaving the dregs of society that can’t read, write or speak English. So it is a self destructive result of their BDS.
He still thinks that denial is in Africa ?
The publisher of Flint’s largest newspaper blames the economy for the cuts.
They’re blaming it on the “economy”?
Thanks. Actually I’m looking at this as an opportunity. I may
drive a semi (which I’ve always wanted to try) or maybe work
at becoming an electrician. Both of these should be solid
jobs for years to come. Conservatives are a creative and optimistic bunch aren’t we?? :)
Thanks for your kind reply! Actually I work in Circulation but
I’ve been told I COULD be a writer. :) I’ll probably try
my hand at truck driving for a few years and see the country.
There are definitely worse ways to earn a living.
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