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The Meck Deck has an email which Charlotte Observer publisher Ann Caulkins sent to employees. An excerpt:
I want to take a moment and give you an update on the current state of our company and the voluntary separation program. We had thirty-two employees who have left or will be leaving The Observer under the provisions of the voluntary buyout offer.
Unfortunately, the business climate continues to worsen and advertising revenue is lagging. We are evaluating all measures to cut costs as our cost structure must be in alignment with our current revenue projections. This is critical, going forward, so The Observer can continue its mission of providing news and information for Charlotte and its surrounding communities.
There were no specifics in the email beyond informing employees that last month's buyout program was inadequate to deal with declining revenue and increasing costs. Telling employees that management is trying to figure out how to cut costs isn't what employees want to hear. That guarantees the rumor mill will be operating full force, and most employees will wonder if they will be laid off.
Related:
Miami Herald bracing for big job cuts?
More job cuts at McClatchy's Miami Herald?
Raleigh News & Observer offers buyouts to 230 employees
Charlotte Observer offers buyoutsKansas City Star to cut jobs "in every division"
Fort Worth Star Telegram cutting 15 positions
Miami Herald offering buyouts to veteran staff
Lexington Herald-Leader offers buyouts
Buyouts offered to 100 at McClatchy's Modesto Bee
Seattle Times cuts 125 jobs
Sacramento Bee offers buyouts to some employees
