By fitsnews – March 10, 2009
Newspaper VP and Editorial Page Editor Brad Warthen was among the latest casualties as a third round of job cuts swept through the newsroom of La Socialista (a.k.a. The State newspaper) this afternoon.
Thirty-eight people lost their jobs at the paper – 11% of its total work force – while remaining employees were told their salaries would be reduced by anywhere from 2.5 to 10%.
From, of all places, La Socialista:
The actions are part of companywide layoffs and cost-cutting measures announced Monday by The State’s parent company, The McClatchy Co.
The Sacramento, Calif.-based company said it would eliminate 15 percent of its work force — about 1,600 jobs — to offset advertising revenues that have plunged during the recession and pay down debt from its 2006 acquisition of Knight Ridder.
“The newspaper is profitable,” (its president Henry) Haitz said of The State. “But, as you know, we are part of The McClatchy Co. and are working toward the goals of the overall company.”
In South Carolina, McClatchy owns The State, The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, The Herald in Rock Hill, the Beaufort Gazette, and the Island Packet in Hilton Head.
– Rock Hill eliminated six positions, cut wages 2.5-10 percent and transferred its printing operations to Charlotte.
– Myrtle Beach laid off 20 employees and reduced wages 9.1 percent, effective May 4. An additional 58 positions were eliminated with the transfer of its printing operations to Charleston.
– The Hilton Head and Beaufort papers eliminated 17 positions, including eight open posts. The papers reduced pay for all employees.
Based on what we’re hearing, it’s not about to get any easier for McClatchy or La Socialista moving forward.
Two big debt calls are reportedly imminent, and even after 1,600 additional layoffs nationally, the company doesn’t have the jack to make them.
Like we said, La Socialista will be lucky to see the end of the year under its current ownership …
