Downsizing democracy — newspaper layoffs
It always hurts when I see yet more layoffs in the industry. I really do love this profession. I think it serves a vital need. But how can we serve the readers when we have a more important group to serve — stockholders.
In this year alone — and it’s not even half over — More than 4,400 news jobs have been slashed across the country. Check out this great Google Map of the layoffs (Thanks CyberJournalist).
More recently, McClatchy announced a 10 percent cut in their work force. I’m surrounded by McClatchy papers here in Washington: Bellingham, Olympia, Tacoma and Kennewick. The Bellingham Herald announced Monday that it is in talks with my paper, the Skagit Valley Herald, to print their paper after we move to our new building (see the building cam down on the right side of the Web page). We’re moving in sometime this fall/winter, and could start printing the Bellingham Herald sometime in 2009.
I’ve always had a dream of writing for the Washington Post or the New York Times (never going to happen, I hate the East Coast). But now I’m not so sure.
I understand newspapers are a business. I understand about cutting back. I know the prices for gas and newsprint and even ink are soaring. If newspapers are too busy chasing a stock price, how can you serve the reader?
Why have community newspapers fared so well compared to the big metros? Is it because the managers know you as a person instead of a number on a spreadsheet? Is it because of a more loyal readership? Advertisers in small communities are less aware of Internet advertising options? Hyper-local content?
Maybe it’s all of those things.
Or maybe it’s because community papers don’t chase a stock price, and they don’t have anyone to answer to but themselves.