Web site documents mass layoffs at papers across the nation
James Baker
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: News
More than 15,000 in print journalism were laid off in 2008, and while the newspaper industry deals with the recession and makes the move to the Internet and multimedia, one Web page is keeping track of the toll.
Around 15 percent of the newsroom population of U.S. newspapers was cut in 2008. For Erica Smith, who tallies layoffs and buyouts on the comprehensive Web site "Paper Cuts," it can be difficult.
"There are times when I'll post information about layoffs that happened months ago - or even last year," Smith said in an e-mail interview.
Smith posts information as soon as she can confirm it.
"If I can't confirm layoffs or a paper has taken actions that will likely cause layoffs, like cutting circulation areas, or cutting sections, then they go on the 'rumors' page until I can find out more," she said.
The Web site, though the bearer of bad news, also serves as an example of where newspapers can take their online features and what journalism graduates need to know to snag a job in a shrinking, competitive market.
"Multimedia skills and adaptability are key," Smith said.
Knowing the basics of multimedia, or the use of audio, text, video and images online to tell a story, is a must for a local news job, freelance Wall Street Journal reporter Ann Carrns said in a guest lecture at Kimpel Hall.
"There's a lot of room for creativity," she said.
Smith echoed the sentiment.
"Reporters are shooting photos and live blogging, photographers are filming documentaries, designers are creating interactive games and tools to help explain stories," Smith said. Students should "watch for new and more efficient ways to do things."
A renewed wave of competitiveness to break stories first, brought on by the speed of Internet, has newspapers in need of electronically well-versed journalists.
"Things happen so much faster now," Carrns said. "Holding something for the next day's paper, that's just not going to happen anymore."
As newspapers restructure, cut costs and continue to search for ways to turn around the fruitless Internet business model, one-time competitors are also changing their approach to coverage.
In January, publishers of the Tulsa World and The Oklahoman announced they would share selected stories, photos and other content to eliminate duplicating stories and better use smaller staffs. The news came after The Oklahoman cut household circulation in Tulsa and the Tulsa World had more than 20 layoffs.
Though Smith held high hopes for 2009, the count eclipsed 2,000 before the end of January.
"I fear this project has made me a bit more pessimistic," Smith said. "I think 2009 will have as many, if not more, layoffs and buyouts than 2008."
In the meantime, a savings account is also key, Smith said. "Start it, contribute to it regularly and otherwise forget about it - just in case."
Around 15 percent of the newsroom population of U.S. newspapers was cut in 2008. For Erica Smith, who tallies layoffs and buyouts on the comprehensive Web site "Paper Cuts," it can be difficult.
"There are times when I'll post information about layoffs that happened months ago - or even last year," Smith said in an e-mail interview.
Smith posts information as soon as she can confirm it.
"If I can't confirm layoffs or a paper has taken actions that will likely cause layoffs, like cutting circulation areas, or cutting sections, then they go on the 'rumors' page until I can find out more," she said.
The Web site, though the bearer of bad news, also serves as an example of where newspapers can take their online features and what journalism graduates need to know to snag a job in a shrinking, competitive market.
"Multimedia skills and adaptability are key," Smith said.
Knowing the basics of multimedia, or the use of audio, text, video and images online to tell a story, is a must for a local news job, freelance Wall Street Journal reporter Ann Carrns said in a guest lecture at Kimpel Hall.
"There's a lot of room for creativity," she said.
Smith echoed the sentiment.
"Reporters are shooting photos and live blogging, photographers are filming documentaries, designers are creating interactive games and tools to help explain stories," Smith said. Students should "watch for new and more efficient ways to do things."
A renewed wave of competitiveness to break stories first, brought on by the speed of Internet, has newspapers in need of electronically well-versed journalists.
"Things happen so much faster now," Carrns said. "Holding something for the next day's paper, that's just not going to happen anymore."
As newspapers restructure, cut costs and continue to search for ways to turn around the fruitless Internet business model, one-time competitors are also changing their approach to coverage.
In January, publishers of the Tulsa World and The Oklahoman announced they would share selected stories, photos and other content to eliminate duplicating stories and better use smaller staffs. The news came after The Oklahoman cut household circulation in Tulsa and the Tulsa World had more than 20 layoffs.
Though Smith held high hopes for 2009, the count eclipsed 2,000 before the end of January.
"I fear this project has made me a bit more pessimistic," Smith said. "I think 2009 will have as many, if not more, layoffs and buyouts than 2008."
In the meantime, a savings account is also key, Smith said. "Start it, contribute to it regularly and otherwise forget about it - just in case."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
A Producer
posted 3/06/09 @ 4:43 AM CST
To the article's author, James Baker: If you have any plans to be employed by the newspaper industry, I vigorously encourage you to be a stronger advocate for your articles' presence on multiple platforms. (Continued…)
Jeff Pijanowski
posted 3/06/09 @ 2:07 PM CST
Just to let you know, Erica's site is great, but it's not the only one that tracks newspaper closings and layoffs. There's also news-cycle.blogspot.com
Jeff
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