Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 30, 2009 at 16:01:38:
WFLD said to be preparing more cuts
Fox-owned WFLD-Ch. 32 is preparing to notify 11 union technicians and a union courier that it is eliminating their positions as part of its effort to cut costs, sources said.
A station spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.
The employees, represented by the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, or NABET, are expected to receive two-week notices of the reduction on Friday. It is anticipated their duties will be picked up by remaining Channel 32 NABET staff.
Cuts of this kind have become commonplace in the media business as already splintering revenue has been further diminished by the tough economy.
WFLD last week eliminated seven full-time off-air positions.
In a move unrelated to budget issues, Channel 32 anchorman Mike Barz left the station last week after an investigation into his behavior at an off-site farewell party for WFLD reporter Margaret Shortridge, whose contract was not renewed.
Channel 32 reporter Anne Kavanagh's contract also expired, but will remain with the station as a regular contributor.