Tuesday, May 6, 2008

More on Charlotte Observer buyouts

Romenesko has posted the memo from Ann Caulkins, Charlotte Observer's publisher, advising staff about the buyout offers. Read the memo here.
.
Paul Gillin adds this:

The Charlotte Observer has eliminated its telemarketing operation and laid off 13 employees, or about five percent of the paper’s total workforce. The Observer statement didn’t say the operation was being outsourced, but rather eliminated entirely. It will be interesting to see the effect on circulation.

And what's the deal with the huge volume of McClatchy shares traded on Monday?
.
Previous McClatchy layoffs and buyouts this spring:
Charlotte Observer offers buyouts
Raleigh News & Observer offers buyouts to 230 employees
Fort Worth Star Telegram cutting 15 positions
Miami Herald offering buyouts to veteran staff
Buyouts offered to 100 at McClatchy's Modesto Bee
Seattle Times to cut 200 jobs
Sacramento Bee offers buyouts to some employees