The newspaper industry is hurting right now. As more consumers turn to the Internet for information, publishing companies continue to struggle to figure out the best way to capitalize on the advertising dollars that are increasingly moving online.Who ends up paying the price for these inefficiencies? Quality newspaper reporters who are losing their jobs in staggering numbers. There maybe no higher profile writers facing the unemployment line than those at the numerous Tribune properties, including the Chicago Tribune.
Crain's Chicago Business reported today that the Tribune is going through another round of employee cut backs, and 80 newsroom personnel are expected to leave the company.
This is a terrible time for anyone to be losing their job. For newspaper reporters, though, I'm guessing that it's even harder for them to find work, as newsrooms around the country are scaling back their workforce. Men and women who have spent their whole lives dedicating themselves to reporting are now shown the door, and they have few alternatives to pursue their passion; unless, of course, they are open to significant pay cuts.
The current economic downturn is taking a toll on all businesses, and I am guessing (hoping) that Tribune leadership investigated other avenues before deciding to trim down their news staff. So, I don't want to take them to task for making this move.
My issue is with the way it was handled. Check out what COO Randy Michaels had to say about the departing employees in an interview with Tribune reporter Manya Brachear:
When asked if this was a sad occasion for the paper: “We are not running a museum. We are running a business in a time of increased competition and economic hardship.” Then asked if this is a time for mourning, Michaels said, “We should grieve for those who have been downsized. We should NOT be mourning the loss of anything else.”
What a nice guy. Makes me wonder when Michaels is going to release the hounds to make sure the old Tribune employees vacate the premises.
Michaels, I'm amazed that you can negatively impact the welfare of so many people's lives and the well being of their families and not have a care in the world. But, I'm guessing you received, or will receive, a handsome bonus for this restructuring. So, go buy another ivory back scratcher, sit back and screw yourself, you frickin' tool.
RoadRage
1 comment:
Well said! The least one can do is handle these things with sensitivity and grace. The very least.
What worries me is as this trend continues, how will we ever really know what's going on? Newspapers (and the journalism world in general) have always insisted on facts and truth as part of the reporting process. If/when they go away, all we'll be left with is the Perez Hiltons of the world, making it up as they go along.
One of the keys to democracy is a free press that tells the people what is going on with government. The founding fathers knew this, which is why they wrote it into the constitution. I fear the day we no longer have responsibile journalists to report the facts, and instead of entertainers offering up opinions as fact. Just like we do.
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