Yet more layoffs in Tampa

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

I don't think so ... not this time. The numbers won't be particularly large, though, because you've gotta have bodies to bring in revenue. What I've heard, though, is that most of them will now have lower base salaries and/or lower commission rates.

And let me head this off at the pass for everyone: Don't use this sad day to go on an "advertising sucks/is lazy/can't sell/etc." tangent. There are overachievers and underachievers in every part of every company.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

All three are writers, correct?

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Yes

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Four from Sebring let go - one from newsroom and three in advertising.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Correct.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

I'm a little surprised. I figured they would go after the desk over writers, but maybe the desk has already been stripped bare from previous layoffs.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

At this point, any cut is going to be equally painful, regardless of where it's coming from. They're not cutting fat anymore. They're not cutting muscle or bone. They're not even amputating limbs.

Today, they began removing organs.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

For what it's worth (not much), Trib's Bucs cover today was better than the Times'. Headline was better (DARKEST DAY), photo was better and the breakout charts added another layer of info/sophistication. Point being, the Trib still does quality work.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

For now.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Two of the beats where they cut from did not surprise me. One did. I'll be very curious if they plan on shifting people around.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Oh, the shifting has already begun. I am told one sportswriter has been transferred to newsside, bringing the department's departures to four.

 

Re: Yet more layoffs in Tampa (updated 12:45 p.m.)

Another sportswriter has been moved to news. So that makes five writers lost (three laid off, two moved) from what was left of the department. I think that leaves seven writers in sports (give or take). Who in the world will cover the Bucs, the Rays, the Lightning, the USF Bulls, and all those many high school teams?

They talk about refocusing the coverage to the "core area" of Tampa and Hillsborough County with "content producers." Content producers? CONTENT PRODUCERS! What about journalists? Need any of them? No? OK. Carry on, MG. By the way, good to see the 3.5-percent jump in your stock price today. Almost got up to 4.50 today!