OC Register getting hit by Freedom's axe

Been that way for about 10 years.

 

This is a memo from OCR editor Ken Brusic:

I would rather be able to talk to you all in person, but maybe the better plan is to get out the word now and answer questions as they come up, since this announcement will be posted today on the company's Web site. I have attached the documents, but here are the key points:

-- As many of you have already heard, Freedom Communications is scheduling a one-week unpaid furlough for all associates, from the CEO on down.
-- The action is being taken because of continued revenue concerns. We are seeing similar actions all across the newspaper industry as well as other businesses.
-- The Frequently Asked Questions document fully explains how the furlough will work. Basically, exempt associates must take one full week; nonexempt associates may schedule a full week or individual days. You may not do any company work while on the furlough. Please work out a schedule with your supervisor. I know many of you have started this process already.
-- In addition, Terry Horne, the Register's publisher, has announced that circumstances in Orange County require some layoffs. His attached memo explains that the number hasn't yet been determined but that he will notify us in the next couple of weeks.

 

Sent to me via PM:


The OC Register announced 30 more layoffs Wednesday. There were no rumors, it came out of the blue.
Of the 30, 10 came from Content. Of those 10, there were seven open positions that will not be filled. So, three people were terminated. One came from sports -- Al Balderas, a 13-year employee who currently was covering UCLA.
This comes shortly after the fourth-quarter economic targets were achieved and everybody received bonuses. But in 2009, there was a one-week furlough and a 5 percent pay cut. And, currently, the entire floor of the building that houses the Content staff is undergoing a significant remodeling projected rumored to be in the $500,000 range.
Also, Freedom's bankruptcy, which previously had received court approval, is supposed to be finalized next week.