Poynter Online
Go


Top Story

Young Journalists Use Facebook Ads to Reach Prospective Employers
Most Recent Articles
1."We don't need to be the strongest to survive"
2:27 PM Feb. 9, 2010
2.Blackberry still most popular smart phone, iPhone gains
2:24 PM Feb. 9, 2010
3.Glitches, Delays Disrupt Plans for Virtual Border Fence
11:33 AM Feb. 9, 2010
4.Young Journalists Use Facebook Ads to Reach Prospective Employers
5:20 AM Feb. 9, 2010
5.What Great Bosses Know about 'No Surprises'
4:20 PM Feb. 8, 2010
Most E-mailed
Recent Comments
Recent Tags
Community Activity

Poynter Training
Poynter Seminars
Small, in-person training experiences.
1.NewsU: Picture Editing 101: Essentials and Ethics
Apply NOW
2.Poynter Fellowship for College Journalists
Apply by March 1
3.Making Your Opinion Matter
Apply by March 22

News University
Today's most popular courses on NewsU, Poynter's e-learning site for journalists.
Webinars
Our online classroom is just a click away. Learn more.
All Webinars

Poynter Forums

View Forum Post

Topic: Memos Sent to Romenesko
Date/Time: 9/5/2008 8:51:46 AM
Title: Houston Chronicle to cut staff
Posted By: Jim Romenesko
 
Memo to Houston Chronicle staffers

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:01 AM
Subject: Message from Jack Sweeney

Dear Chronicle Colleague:

It has been a difficult year for our industry and the Houston Chronicle. Revenues are down, considerably, with major expense items like newsprint showing unprecedented increases over the past twelve months.

Unfortunately, as we complete our 2009 Budget Plan, prospects for a turnaround in these critical areas are not evident. Consequently, we will be initiating a job reduction program over the next three weeks, September 8 through September 30. It will consist of two phases:

· A voluntary buyout program involving two weeks pay for each year of Chronicle service, with a maximum payout of 52 weeks. COBRA benefits will be paid through December 31, 2008. Volunteers are asked to contact Human Resources for more information. Employees interested in being considered must complete the attached form and submit it to Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15. These buyouts will be subject to management approval.

· A job reduction program, if necessary, will follow the voluntary buyout program, and be completed by September 30.

Overall, the above plan will result in a 5 to 6% reduction of full time positions as we finalize our 2009 Budget Plan. As we move forward over the coming weeks, I ask for your patience and understanding in these difficult economic times.

Jack Sweeney

View Complete Forum Topic

Username
Password
New User? Signup Now
Poynter Careers
See All Jobs
Add Your Resume
Post Your Job
Become a Member
More media jobs