Dear Knoxville

From The Pipeline, don't know names. Yet.

Knoxville News Sentinel announces layoffs. 13 in the newsroom, 2 in sports.





Dear Co-worker:

Over the last 20 years we have all been involved in many changes throughout the News Sentinel. Change has been constant, and we have all adjusted to the changes and moved forward in the best way possible. Today I am announcing another change that is necessitated by today’s business environment. Starting this morning, we are announcing a reduction in force, and we will be communicating to over 50 of our co-workers that their jobs have been eliminated.

The changes will affect just about every department at the News Sentinel and other products and services within the KNS Media Group.

We have made every effort to avoid eliminating positions – from reducing costs and not filling open positions, to enacting both involuntary and voluntary separation plans previously in 2008. However, current economic conditions and challenges based on cost realities make internal staffing changes necessary.

The media world is changing dramatically for consumers and advertisers. Today’s consumers have more and more choices when it comes to news and product information, plus more information outlets are chasing fewer advertising dollars. Media outlets across the country are making changes to reflect the new trends in audience preferences.

Each major department is restructuring to be more efficient and address changing audience desires. The content restructuring of our core product will combine some sections and maintain a focus on local news, breaking news, sports and business news. We are moving to one edition on certain days and also will reduce distribution in a few outlying counties on the fringe of our circulation area. You will hear more specifics about these changes in the coming week.

We will be communicating to the public about our change but if you should be contacted by outside media please refer them to Deanene Catani, our marketing director, and she will handle the communication. Any columns, blogs, statements on talk radio, etc. must be approved in advance by me.

I know that this is difficult for everyone, and it is extremely difficult for me to make this announcement. However, it is also a time of tremendous opportunity for the KNS Media Group as we look towards our future. I am counting on you to help us through this difficult time of transition as we make the changes needed to prosper in these challenging economic times.

Sincerely,

Bruce

 

This is apparently Scripps wide - other papers in the chain are being hit as we speak.