Layoffs in Providence

Ugh. I tried to make my 4,000th post something more positive, but I just couldn't do it. Didn't see this posted so I thought I'd put it up.

http://ripr.org/post/twenty-two-guild-layoffs-providence-journal-include-bob-kerr

Rich Lee is the casualty in sports.

Shaking my head.

 

To bump this up today, not sure if it's out there confirmed, but the names being leaked as cuts from sports are Rich Lee, Bill Reynolds and Carolyn Thornton. (Note: I got those names from a past employee, who still has friends there. Haven't seen an update to the link shared by Steveu.) Allegedly, some copy desk employees have received notification that a final determination on their jobs will be made in January or February. Interim publisher released a statement today: http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140903-new-media-completes-purchase-of-the-providence-journal.ece

 

If that's the case, how many are left in sports? Like 3 people?

 

I could be forgetting someone, and I'm not familiar with the editing structure there, but I believe they have three reporters and one columnist left, with the current reporters covering college basketball (URI and PC), Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics, with some shifting depending on the season and team quality. I'm not sure who's doing HS coverage for them at this point, if anyone.

 

Three reporters and a columnist for a paper that size. Ow-itch.

 

I don't know who I'm missing off the top of my head:

Daniels, Gillooly, Donaldson, Britton, Kenyon and McNamara. Anyone else?

 

Kenyon retired recently, and Gillooly might be part-time / only around for HS playoffs, but I'm not positive on him.

 

I've heard rumblings that the next big thing is dropping pro coverage. The timing works out for GateHouse; they're cutting, according to some Facebook stuff I've read from people at ProJo. the copy deskers in February and housing it all in Texas. That means they can stop pro stuff right after the NFL season and just before spring training.
At this point, who knows what the next step is. I do know there are several guys in-state who are more than willing to jump on board over there, present company included.

 

Don't have any information to add, but this is really sad to hear about my hometown paper. I consider Bill Reynolds one of my biggest journalistic influences growing up.

 

Anyone know for sure about Reynolds? He wrote a piece on Marvin Barnes that was published on their website yesterday.

http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/content/20140908-bill-reynolds-the-news-was-never-dull-with-marvin-barnes.ece?click=MV:2

 

From what I've gathered, there are two cuts - the ones the other day and a bunch of people who already know their fate going in Feb.