by Tim McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The parent company of the Burlington Free Press, FreePressMedia, which includes the daily print newspaper and online edition, has announced that it has cut 13 workers from various, unspecified departments. The announcement was dated Thursday and a short story appeared on page 9B of Friday's print edition. The layoffs appear to be part of a system-wide downsizing by parent-company Gannett.
‘We regret the steps we had to take today,’Free Press President and Publisher Jim Fogler was quoted as saying. ‘We greatly appreciate the contributions these employees have made to the Free Press.’
He went on to say: ‘As we retool our business, we have responded with innovation and investment to serve an everincreasing number of digital consumers. From our compact smart print edition to more digital video than any other local media, FreePress-Media will continue to deliver outstanding journalism and integrated marketing solutions to our customers and partners. Our dedicated and expert work force allows us to do this every single day across print and digital platforms.
Folger has been consistently forthcoming as the state's largest newspaper has transitioned from a traditional broadsheet newspaper to a tabloid in June 2012 and reduced its workforce. FreePressMedia reported to Vermont Business Magazine earlier this year that it had 200 employees. It is owned by Gannett Company Inc, which in recent years has been consolidating operations, such as production and back-office operations, in regional centers across the country.
The Phoenix Business Journal is reporting that another Gannett newspaper, the Arizona Republic, laid off 29, as 225 workers were cut across the country. Along with Burlington, the PBJ reported that there were 19 jobs cut in Indianapolis, 31 in Wisconsin and 13 in New Jersey and Mississippi. The story said more Gannett layoffs could come Monday at other sites.
Gannett's overall revenues were up slightly in its second quarter, according to its financial report issued July 22, but its publishing segment was down, even with an increase in circulation revenue as its online issues have gone to a paid subscription model.
In its second quarter report, it stated: "Publishing segment revenues in the quarter totaled $904.2 million, a 1.7 percent decline from $920.3 million in the second quarter a year ago. On a constant currency basis, publishing segment revenues were 1.4 percent lower as a substantial increase in circulation revenue was more than offset by lower advertising revenue."
Burlington Free Press cuts 13 jobs
Submitted by tim
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