At least two AP sports writers laid off today

One in Iowa:



One in North Carolina:

 

Plus at least three Yahoo Sports writers: Mike Mazzeo, Wally Matthews, and Matt Ehalt.

 

That’s awful. I wonder if AP will hire sports data journalists to replace them.

 

I'm sure they'll pull someone off the Iowa caucuses to cover the Hawkeyes or Cyclones.

 

Absolutely. Not a problem!

 

I don't think I've ever seen a swifter demise than Yahoo's.

 

Saw that. Part of the failed Mets "insider" subscription plan, I believe. Thing wasn't ready for the start of the 2019 season and I don't think it ever launched.

 

Losing Joedy will be a big blow in the Triangle. In case Aaron Beard weren't busy enough there ...

 

I've always been under the impression that newspaper layoffs in December were "a thing" because the papers had booked all the Christmas ads and throwing in a few layoffs in the last period only makes the bottom line look that much more impressive. But now with so many digital outlets doing the same thing, I've got nothing, other than closing out the books. It's a crappy thing to do at any time of the year - but when most companies are handing out bonuses - this industry continues to hand out pink slips. Back in the day, such businesses would be met with a "Bah Humbug" editorial and an A1 shaming.

 

You know that high-interest credit card is burning a hole in GannettHouse’s pocket. Think they might have a go at AP?

 

A go at AP? Interesting but I think it is possible New Gannett will pull its papers out of the AP and operate it’s own “wire service” generating intrastate and national interest stories for its papers. I don’t know how much each paper pays to be an AP member but pulling it papers out is a quick way for New Gannett to show shareholders some $$$ savings.

 

That's fine for the major metros but for the majority of properties that are small-town dailies that have had its staff slashed and cover a mid-major the common refrain for road games is "let AP cover it." On the other hand, there's a clear disconnect between corporate New Gannett and the foot soldiers so I guess anything's possible.