Dispatch leaders address employee cuts with staff
With word this week that the new ownership of the Columbus Dispatch is looking to make $10 million in budgetary cuts in the next two years, the paper’s interim editor and interim publisher met with employees on Thursday to address the talk and what it means.
Staff cuts are most likely on the way. This is the way that things usually play out when new owner New Media takes the reigns at an acquired publication. Dispatch employees who are nearing retirement or considering leaving the newspaper were encouraged yesterday to accept an employee buyout. Essentially, they were told that the more buyouts that are accepted, the more likely that others jobs might be saved. Staff reductions are expected to begin in September. The size and scope of those cuts are yet to be determined.
Also at the meeting, leaders confirmed that many of the paper’s operations would be moving to Capital Square and a building that was included in the acquisition of the Dispatch. The current offices on South 3rd Street remain the property of the publication’s former owners (the Wolfe family).
And for now, the neon iconic Columbus Dispatch sign will remain atop the 3rd Street building. There isn’t room for it on the roof of the Capital Square offices. (jj)
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