Deseret News Cuts Newsroom in Half;
to Merge with KSL-TV & Radio
“Changes in the industry have forced some newspapers to fade or even close. At the Deseret News, we choose to lead and innovate. . . .Today we have announced the reduction in our print work force by 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees, which reflects just over 43 percent of our work force.”“To put your minds at ease, we don't anticipate any layoffs. As a matter of fact, we might hire.”
—Nancy Conway, editor, Salt Lake Tribune
“We will watch carefully for any voids created by the loss of staffing at the Deseret News, and do what is necessary to provide the state of Utah with comprehensive news and editorial coverage.”
—William Dean Singleton, CEO,
MediaNews Group, Tribune’s owner
MediaNews Group, Tribune’s owner
“There is no sugar-coating the bad news. Like a lot of other newspapers in America, this one has to cut costs, and that means cutting people; real people with bills to pay and families to feed; people I've grown to love and respect through many years.... We are coordinating with KSL to create the largest newsroom in the Intermountain West. While other papers are forced to sacrifice in-depth stories just to stay on top of news, this paper will have the resources to do both. Your school board and city council won't be ignored, and neither will those hidden stories that need more time to develop.”
Editor’s Note: “I heard the news today, oh boy...”
Today’s Wish-I-Were-Here Photo: Arcata Farmers Market . . . .
No doubt USU alum are among those that were cut. What a sad day for the Deseret News and for Utah. I don't understand Evensen's statement. How can they cover more stories with fewer people at greater depth?
ReplyDeleteIt is mildly amusing to me the way they have announced this bad news. They start by telling you people will lose their jobs, but then they make it sound like a good thing by saying, "We are coordinating with KSL to create the largest newsroom in the Intermountain West." It sounds as if they really believe that by laying off half of their employees they will be able to cover more news more accurately.
ReplyDeleteSigns of the times, Ted.
ReplyDeleteHere's my word on journalism, timed for students returning to classes: Students who ignore the news are committing civic suicide.
John