Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Next cuts: McClatchy's papers in the Carolinas?

McClatchy reporter Michael Doyle has a blog called Doyle Report. He recently posted this:
Citing "very tough economic times," executives at McClatchy's Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer have alerted staffers that the next buyout round will hit soon. In a three-paragraph memo sent to all employees late Wednesday afternoon, Charlotte Observer Publisher Ann Caulkins said the next cuts will occur as "we are restructuring our organization to become a fully integrated print and online media company." Word is, the N&O received an essentially identical memo, which stated:
"We expect to announce details of a voluntary buyout within two weeks...we are still ironing out the goals and details of our plan. We are trying to ensure that we examine all expenses before we decide how to go forward with staff reductions."

I should add: Because of potential conflicts, I won't be posting any more on internal McClatchy corporate matters. There's a lot more on law, journalism practice and California issues to keep me busy.

Sounds like the Charlotte and Raleigh papers are coordinating their buyouts, like they now coordinate political and sports coverage.

Related:
News & Observer editor: N&O considering additional cost reductions, including layoffs
Cash-strapped News & Observer to sell Chapel Hill office
Report: more layoffs at McClatchy's News & Observer in September
McClatchy's Raleigh newspaper to combine coverage with Charlotte newspaper

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you quiting postings about all McClatchy's papers? Please tell me no. This news concerning all the papers helps us decide what we should do. We here in the midwest really need you. Did someone come after you?

Kevin Gregory said...

I'm not quitting -- the commment about no further posting on McClatchy internal matters is from Michael Doyle, not me.

I'll keep bringing news about McClatchy.

Anonymous said...

The N&O has now offered buyout to 320 employees: http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/09/01/daily14.html?ana=yfcpc

Anonymous said...

All McClatchy staff reductions are coordinated from the boys on the third floor at 21st street.

The chain wide reduction in June drew much more national attention than corporate expected or desired. The reductions announcements are now staged through the properties, for less attention.

Anonymous said...

Anybody know what the buyout their offering?