These are troubled times for workers in all sectors in today’s economy, but they may have gotten much worse for some former employees at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Several employees who opted for buyouts last summer are now being told they may not get their full severance as a result of the company’s filing for bankruptcy protection.
Details of the situation are outlined in a story on the newspaper’s Web site.
Under he heading of signs of things to come, the Hartford Courant has cut their last major beat for covering professional sports teams. The paper will not be sending a reporter to spring training this season and will also not cover Boston Red Sox games with a staff reporter. Sports Editor, Jeff Otterbein, quoted in an E&P story said the paper would cover occasional home games.
No reporter means no photographer at most papers. I can’t help but think that this area will be the next to take a hit as newsrooms look for ways to cut cost. This is probably not an option for Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati papers, but at other papers it will probably be a fact of life.
In Akron it was pretty much assumed late last year that if our Indians beat writer Sheldon Ocker opted for a buyout his position would not be filled. Situations are different at every paper in this area. We are in a unique position as it relates to the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James being from Akron. I’m sure our coverage of the Cavs will change if the day ever comes and LeBron leaves for brighter lights.
You can’t cancel AP and eliminate your coverage of major sports so papers will have some decisions to make.