More MG News

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/richmond_times-dispatch_eliminates_31_open_positions_and_lays_off_59_employ/247352/

 

The lede on that story makes me want to scream. How can the exec editor talk to students with a straight face? And should he even be talking at all 48 hours before the axe hits his shop?

Sigh. My best to T-D'ers past and present.

 

To all RTD employees,



Economically driven changes to our business continue.



It is with regret that I share with you today that we have had to eliminate 31 open positions and lay off 59 employees. Affected departments include Production, Circulation, Marketing, Business, Advertising, Editorial, News, Operations, Facilities, Prepress Design Services and Targeted Solutions. All full-time employees will receive severance.



In addition, I am informing you that given current circumstances, there will be no pay increases for non-unionized RTD employees this year, extending the suspension enacted earlier this year. Separately, we will be inviting the Richmond Newspapers Professional Association to join in this needed saving. As each of you is aware, we have taken numerous steps to reduce our expenses (previous elimination of positions, improved operational efficiencies, and reduction in work hours). But despite our best efforts, loss of revenue, a changing classified marketplace, and an incredibly difficult economic environment have left us no choice but to reduce the size of our organization.



We thank each and every one of our departing colleagues for their valued service. I've worked shoulder-to-shoulder with many and offer my personal appreciation for helping to publish Richmond's daily newspapers.



I realize that this is an exceptionally difficult time for everyone. The management team and I will be coming to each department today to answer your questions as well as to talk with you about what we must accomplish in 2009.



It is important to stress this reduction in workforce and other changes are designed to ensure a successful future for the RTD. We are not alone on this score.



Last month, we all heard about Media General's new market-focused structure that accelerates our reinvention and rebuilding. We are by no means giving up on publishing a quality newspaper seven days a week. But it's a time to embrace the emerging opportunities and move forward. It's all of our jobs to find new opportunities, especially unmet needs, through innovation and customer-focused solutions. At the same time, we have to do everything we can to retain our current customers by demonstrating our strength as the leading provider of high-quality content and services.



As you have questions, please talk with your manager, department head or me. We must work together to thrive for many years to come. I am confident we will be successful. Thank you.



TAS



Thomas A. Silvestri
President, Publisher
Richmond Times-Dispatch
300 E. Franklin St.
Richmond, VA 23219

 

Tries to target solutions, I guess. With one fewer person than yesterday.

The former head of HR, a very good guy (and former Virginia football player) named Ron Carey, heads up that department. We haven't talked since he started doing it. I like Ron a lot. I like a lot of the brass a lot. They're all grasping at straws.
Eventually, some of them are going to have to go.

 

You think this is HIM? This is the business. No one has the answers. What happened is he rose to the big chair just as things turned to shit.
There's no real plan in place there. At least there wasn't when I left. They're guessing and hoping, which I suppose doesn't make them the Lone Rangers in all this. Somebody had the answer, they'd be doing something.
They'll keep throwing people out until there's no one left but them. Lots of planners, no executors.

 

It will happen. Not sure how soon but there are "big wigs" down there that really want to cut to three days a week of actual print.