Head of Projo's Union Says GateHouse is Not Disclosing Number of Layoffs
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
Head of Projo's Union Says GateHouse is Not Disclosing Number of Layoffs
"Part of the problem we're having is [Gatehouse] hasn't shared with us a list or number [of layoffs]," said Hill.
"We're piecing it together by talking with other guilds. We know of six [layoffs] in Providence and 5 more in Worcester. It appears to be part of a corporate-wide [effort]."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMultiple news organizations have reported that the corporation has laid off 200 nationally.
"Through guild workplaces, we know of 50...and there are 17 newspaper guild locals around the country. That 200 number, I heard from Business Insider. Again, the only numbers I know are from what we've heard from the guilds -- we'll consult again [on Friday]," said Hill.
ProJo Position in Market
Mike Reed of the Projo's parent company told Business Insider that the cuts were "immaterial" to the company.
"The Providence Journal is facing a serious challenge from the Boston Globe, and they're giving the rousing, 'We're in the newspaper war' speech -- and then their answer is to cut the staff? I need someone to explain that to me," said Hill. "I don't think [the cuts] are 'immaterial.' Half the cuts I see are people who handled copy. That's what gets the stories in the paper. We might have lost a photographer. The Journal used to win awards for photography."
“Mike Reed — CEO of GateHouse’s parent company, New Media Investment Group — told Poynter media business analyst Rick Edmonds, ‘We are doing a small restructuring — at least that’s what I would call it — that I’m sure will be misreported. We have 11,000 employees. This involves a couple of hundred,’” reported Poynter.
"I don't understand how anyone can say those losses are 'immaterial,' particularly at a time when the Journal is facing a challenge in its own territory -- you call on the troops to give more and then this?" questioned Hill.
In recent weeks, GateHouse executives tried to change the discourse in the newsroom and gave reportedly impassioned 'locker room' style speeches to lift the staff.
Hill said regarding the 'rousing speech' that he had heard the following.
"I talked with people who told me about it. It was around the time when Amanda [Milkovits] left," said Hill. "The point is, they said, 'We're a newspaper' -- and then this."
As for the remaining reporters in the newsroom, Hill had said he would have to "sit down" to count the number.
"I'd say it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 13," said Hill. "I don't know if they're filling [Milkovits position]."
Hill said that his tenure as guild president ends next month in June -- and that he might have more to say at that time.
"Sadly, [layoffs] have become a regular occurrence, when you're a GateHouse newspaper," said Hill.