Free Republic

Struggling Media General sheds 250-260 jobs at Tampa Tribune, other Florida properties TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- An estimated 250 to 260 jobs are being eliminated by The Tampa Tribune, WFLA-TV and other Media General Inc. properties in Florida, the company said. About 200 of the cuts have already taken place or are pending completion of the company's voluntary buyout program, said John Schueler, president of the Florida Communications Group, which oversees the properties. Schueler said Wednesday another 50 to 60 positions still need to be cut through layoffs. About 120 positions were eliminated earlier this year through attrition and layoffs,...

CHICAGO Media General Inc.'s Florida Communications Group, parent of The Tampa Tribune and WFLA-TV, said Monday it is offering voluntary buyouts to about half of its 1,326 employees. Group President John Schueler said in an announcement on the Tribune's TBO.com Web site that the buyouts are a way to cut costs significantly in the difficult economic climate of Tampa Bay. Media General, in its latest financial report, said much of the chain's difficulties can be traced to its Tampa Bay media properties. The region, and all of Florida, has been hurt badly by a housing collapse that has spread pain...