01-09-2011 FITZPATRICK TALKS ABOUT IMPENDING LAYOFFS Jim Fitzpatrick, who spent more than three decades as an editor/writer at the Kansas City Star, has penned (1/7) his thoughts about the upcoming layoffs at the Kansas City Star on his blog (jimmycsays.com). Fitzpatrick noted he has lost faith in the leadership of Star Publisher Mark Zieman, who has continued to paint a rosy picture through numerous rounds of layoffs, and questions whether the Star's parent, McClatchy Company, will even survive. At the very least, Fitz noted that it is likely the Star will have to eliminate a few weekday editions. It's a must-read.
01-06-2011 MORE KC STAR LAYOFFS ON HORIZON A reliable source at the Kansas City Star has revealed to Bottom Line Communications that employees were told today there will be more layoffs at the McClatchy-owned paper. They are expected to occur this month. The layoff news stunned many employees, who thought things were turning around at the area's leading newspaper. "Employees thought there might be another furlough or two this year, but not more layoffs," said the source. "They are in a state of shock." In September, Star Publisher Mark Zieman instituted another round of layoffs at the paper and another non-paid furlough for employees to conclude 2010. However, he seemed to paint a fairly optimistic outlook going forward. "I deeply regret that we’ve had to take these steps, especially as we approach what I believe will be a turning point in this historic slump in our industry," Zieman wrote in a memo to employees. "But with these measures in place The Star will end the year financially strong, with a readership base, advertising market share and editorial product portfolio that are the envy of our competitors and most papers our size. "I know that weathering this recession has been exceptionally hard for each of you. But we will begin next year (2011) with a steadily improving revenue trend. We are posting record online traffic and revenue, we remain the dominant media company in our region, our presses and readership metrics are among the best in the country and our news products are recognized nationally for their journalistic excellence. The Star won’t die, but this recession will."
01-07-2011 EDITORIAL STAFF? "...The STAR gives their content away for free online and wonder why fewer people are subscribing.I would like to see some members of the Editorial Staff leave in this round.... names on request."
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