Posted by chicagomedia.org on February 13, 2009 at 10:21:51:
In Reply to: Many More Layoffs At The Chicago Tribune Today posted by chicagomedia.org on February 12, 2009 at 21:07:23:
Tribulations: Twenty Chicago Tribune newsroom employees, including correspondents in Rome and Jerusalem, found out Thursday they were being let go. It was not wholly unexpected. Chicago Tribune Media Group President, Publisher and Chief Executive Tony Hunter informed the company last week that reductions were coming in response to financial conditions while the company positions itself to pursue growth opportunities.
"Based on our new strategic priorities, we are eliminating some positions and adding in other cases to build essential skills," Tribune Editor Gerould Kern said in a memo to the newsroom, calling the cuts "difficult decisions" but pointing out earlier "right-sizing" enabled the paper to hire personnel and commit resources needed to introduce its new street-sale format and launch digital initiatives.
Parent Tribune Co., Kern said, will still have reporters in Jerusalem. "We are partnering with the Los Angeles Times to continue our strong coverage of the region," he wrote. "Our Rome bureau will close, and we will rely on other sources for now."
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)