Tribune owner to eliminate more than 250 jobs this year in Florida

When Media General extended a buyout offer to half its employees in Florida, officials told me they would not disclose details about the result.

But the Tampa Tribune and Associated Press reported Thursday that the company which oversees Media General's Florida operations, the Florida Communications Group, has noted that 54 employees took their buyout offer -- among more than 250 jobs the FCG expects to eliminate this year. FCG includes the Tampa Tribune, WFLA-Ch. 8, TBO.com, Hernando Today and a host of other, smaller newspapers.

Wayne Garcia at Creative Loafing unearthed a memo from FCG president John Schueler which seemed to get this news rush going, noting the figure of 54 people taking the buyout. The Tribune responded with a story Thursday laying out more details; the big question left -- who's leaving?

According to the AP, 200 cuts have taken place or are pending, including 120 positions eliminated earlier this year, 54 people accepting the buyout and 21 positions eliminated Tuesday in advertising. News broke last week that the newspaper expects to outsource a number of jobs from its advertising department to India. The AP story said FCG still needs to cut up to 60 positions by involuntary layoff.

I've heard some Tribune newsroom staffers are speculating that departments will be notified of layoffs in stages over the next week, with editorial employees finding out late next week. Already, WFLA meteorologist Mace Michaels has confirmed he will be laid off.

None of this is good news for folks who love newspapers and media, as traditional outlets struggle to cope with a financial instability which only seems to grow, year after year.

Comments

[dreaming]

so, who is taking the buyout?

youve got a building full of people at the trib who make their livings gossiping, whispering, going off the record, phone calling, emailing, texting and generally failing to keep a secret for more than 2 seconds.

surely one of them will spill the beans to you ....