News Buyout 2008

Until further notice

2008-11-25T22:21:00.004-06:00

We will treat this post as an electronic bulletin board to leave comments on job postings, helpful links and any pertinent news for those who still come by the blog. There will be no posts until the next time storm clouds gather.

Goodbyes

2008-10-26T09:59:00.007-06:00

UPDATED THURSDAY, OCT. 30

Several of our colleagues have sent in notes and contact information to share with their friends at the Morning News. We will begin posting these on this thread as we get them. Let us also use this as a chance to share our thoughts with them.

To read goodbyes from them, click on their names.

Harris, Joyce Saenz: food writer, lifestyles/arts (jesharris [at] sent.com)
Hinojosa, David: copy editor, sports (Dhinojosa [at] aol.com)
Morton, Clay: assistant editor for Rowlett/Rockwall Co, metro (claymorton55 [at] msn.com)
Pania, Tina: assistant editor, international (tpania1 [at] yahoo.com)
Richter, Marice: staff writer for NE Tarrant/Denton Co, metro (mhrichter [at] verizon.net)
Troboy, Pam: copy editor, Universal Desk (ptroboy [at] aol.com)

Q&A

2008-10-25T10:16:00.001-05:00

If you were laid off and need advice, this is your thread to ask questions of the audience. Just leave a comment.

Please remember there are links on the left-hand menu to helpful sites for employment and financial advice.

Jobs

2008-10-25T09:51:00.002-05:00

We appreciate those of you sending in job openings. We have been able to expand our job list significantly. If you are willing to relocate, there are several good opportunities available.

We continue to leave this as an open thread for anyone who knows of job openings. We also make this available for any prospective employer who would like to post a "help wanted" message.

In addition, a helpful commenter from several days posted links to other employment sites. Those are included again in the comments of this post.

Let us help facilitate our comrades finding a new positions.

NOTE: Do not forget the free workshop for freelancing. The deadline to register is Oct. 29.

By the numbers

2008-10-24T20:29:00.014-05:00

UPDATED THURSDAY, OCT. 30

Management indicated today that about 20 newsroom staffers were laid off. Al Dia reportedly lost four to five editorial people as well, cutting its staff significantly from when it first launched.

Corporate announced that the Dallas Morning News was targeted to lose 50 positions from the news, production, customer retention call center and Al Dia.

When combined with the buyouts, the DMN newsroom lost about 46 positions throughout the process. The biggest losses were in lifestyles/arts, metro, photo and sports. Top managers estimated the staff size between 340 and 350.

Nearly all the roughly 20 were known in-house by day's end. We have broken down the cuts by department and by job type. We have only named employees who contacted us and gave permission, or were named elsewhere publicly.

BY DEPARTMENT
Business: 1
Copy desk: 1 (copy editor Pam Troboy, ptroboy [at] aol.com)
Lifestyles/arts*: 3 (food writer Joyce Saenz Harris, jesharris [at] sent.com; home/garden writer Paige Phelps)
Metro*: 5 (assistant editor Clay Morton, claymorton55 [at] msn.com; reporter Marice Richter, mhrichter [at] verizon.net; assistant editor Eric Garcia)
National/international*: 1 (assistant editor Tina Pania, tpania1 [at] yahoo.com)
News art: 1
Photo: 3 (photographer Milton Hinnant)
Sports: 4 (copy editor David Hinojosa, Dhinojosa [at] aol.com)
* -- formerly known as

BY JOB TYPE
Assistant editor: 4
Copy editor: 4
Graphic artists/page designer: 1
Photographer: 1
Photo editor: 2
Reporter: 7

Breaking news: Layoffs begin

2008-10-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

Newsroom staff members from across the building have been called into meetings and notified that they are being cut.

Corporate previously announced that the Dallas Morning News was targeted to lose 50 positions from the news, production, customer retention call center and Al Dia.

We will try to post numbers of layoffs by department and job type by day's end. In the interest of accuracy, we may be slow to do that. The ensuing chaos may lead to mistaken information in these early stages. We ask for help with e-mail reports.

Please be rest assured that we will not name employees or list specific job titles that could identify them unless they grant us permission first. We will err on the side of respecting their privacy.

SPECIAL NOTE TO FALLEN COLLEAGUES: You should feel free to contact therockoftruth@gmail.com and use this blog to send farewell messages or contact information, or publicize your availablility to prospective employers. We will gladly broadcast that for you. It is the least we can do.

News from corporate

2008-10-24T07:15:00.006-05:00

CEO Robert Decherd issued letters today to shareholders and employees discussing "numerous initiatives on parallel paths to construct a new business model for A. H. Belo." Corporate will release third-quarter results next Friday.

Two changes of note for staff are salary freezes and 20 percent reduction in Board of Directors fees.

Decherd also said the reductions-in-force "will be completed soon." Several commenters toward the end of the "Great Layoff Wait of 2008" thread quoted metro editors as saying layoffs would happen today.

Great Layoff Wait of 2008

2008-10-22T07:22:00.007-05:00

We begin Day Three of "The Wait" by offering an open thread for everyone to share credible signs that the layoffs are finally near.

The best information is news from a supervisor at the department head level or higher. That may not come.

There are other clues. Did you AME or department head show up in the office during a vacation? Was an HR official seen in your department with an arm full of folders? Was the conference room's windows covered up with paper? Were cardboard boxes laying around today?

Gathering after D-Day

2008-10-20T20:32:00.005-05:00

Some commenters today have suggested meeting at an establishment on the day of layoffs and nursing the raw emotions with food and drink.

The idea would be that any fallen colleagues who came would eat and drink at no cost. The hope was that commiserating may provide temporary relief. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Exes, buyout alums and 1027s, would be welcomed as well.

One idea was meeting after work at the bar at Founder's Grill and lasting until all hours. It is walking distance from the Dallas newsroom on the first floor of the Hotel Lawrence.

For those who organize such a gathering, we will gladly advertise your time and location on this blog. Contact therockoftruth@gmail.com to provide specifics.

More comic relief

2008-10-20T20:22:00.007-05:00

In "Broadcast News," head honcho Bill Rorich (played by Jack Nicholson) blames the staff for layoffs and dismisses the idea of minimizing cuts by reducing his own salary.

Watch more Hulu videos on AOL Video

Wanted: Advice for week ahead

2008-10-19T10:14:00.005-05:00

There is no easy way to say it. The week ahead will be painful. We would like to hear from people who can provide wisdom on two topics that may help us all as the DMN executes more layoffs:

1) For colleagues who are summoned into meetings with their supervisors and HR, what papers might they be asked to sign on the spot? Will their severance depend on agreeing? Will any rights be waived?

2) What can employees who are not laid off do to rally around those who are? What show of support will help soothe a horrible situation? What can be done to honor these people before they leave the newsroom? What can be done after they go?
To start, Ed Bark offers thoughts.

Timely workshop

2008-10-19T09:58:00.006-05:00

An alert reader has directed us to a free workshop on Nov. 1, "Becoming a successful freelancer: A workshop for writers and photographers," sponsored by SPJ's Fort Worth chapter and UTA.

Registration is required. The deadline is Oct. 29. The event starts at 8 a.m. at UTA's Fine Arts Building.

Session topics include: how to match story ideas to the right publications, the business of freelancing, freelance photography, and travel and environmental writing.

For more information, call Kim Pewitt-Jones at 817-480-1229 or send an e-mail to kim56@tx.rr.com.

Riverside layoffs hit

2008-10-17T12:17:00.001-05:00

Sister newspaper, the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., laid off about 30 employees Thursday, according to multiple blogs.

Nearly a third of the cuts came from the newsroom. The losses were roughly the number that Corporate had announced it would eliminate.

The notifications came midafternoon, according to the well-regarded LAObserved blog. The management called a staff meeting hours later. Names then trickled out locally about the same time.

Throughout the coverage, one blog also reported that the Press-Enterprise is apparently leasing space in its building.

Delayed

2008-10-14T20:03:00.004-05:00

UPDATED

Multiple reports are coming in from people in multiple departments that the layoffs have indeed delayed and will not conclude by Friday. Word circulating is that Corporate lawyers want more time.

The layoffs appear more likely to happen next week sometime. No further details at this time.

Another sad chapter begins

2008-10-12T21:55:00.006-05:00

Unless the plan has changed, this is the week that Corporate will notify a number of Dallas Morning News employees they are laid off. It will conclude the fourth round of job cuts in the newsroom since 2001.

We remain interested in hearing from exes who have experienced this before and can provide wisdom to those who get the unfortunate news.

We also would like to hear advice for the employees left in the aftermath on how to best to rally around each other, heal the newsroom and move forward with the continuing challenges.

The forum is open.

Notes

2008-10-10T07:19:00.009-05:00

1.) Corporate will unveil third-quarter results on Friday, Oct. 31. The story with that link includes the stock price for A.H. Belo. Several alert readers pointed out that it flirted with an all-time low before closing at $3.95 Thursday.

2.) A couple of smaller local newspapers have jobs available. Check our job openings for more details.

3.) A story about the layoffs in Providence published today in the Journal. According to the publisher, the final cuts totaled 53. That is one shy of the high end of the range Corporate instructed the newspaper to eliminate.

UPDATED: The union posted a list of laid-off employees with names and job titles on its Web site. The union is calling it the Journal's "most significant downsizing in its history."

4.) We are interested in hearing from Dallas Morning News employees who have gone through past RIFs and may be willing to share advice to those who may endure it soon. We would like to post those thoughts here. We can withhold your name if you prefer. Please contact therockoftruth@gmail.com.

UPDATED: Be sure to read the comments section. Several former employees have opted to respond there.

More comic relief

2008-10-09T07:20:00.001-05:00

An alert reader submitted this New Yorker cartoon as we all wait for D-Day.

Dispute in Providence

2008-10-08T20:12:00.009-05:00

A union official there, Tim Schick, is upset that management has not yet allowed the newsroom to report in the Providence Journal that layoffs happened two weeks ago. The 31 employees cut there work their final shift Friday.

"There are a lot of questions about when they will be upfront with the public about what is going on," said Schick. "If it were any other business in the community, the Journal would be reporting it and seeking it out."

UPDATED FRIDAY: After Editor & Publisher placed calls to Journal officials, the newspaper assigned a layoffs story. It published Friday.

Howard G. Sutton, the Journal Co.’s chairman, publisher, president and chief executive officer, said it was the first time the newspaper laid off full-time newsroom employees. Along with 22 buyout takers, the Journal's cut numbered 53. That was was one away from the high end of the range Corporate set for it.

“Even with this reduction in our news-gathering and editing ranks, we still have almost 200 people working in our newsrooms, which is a sizeable commitment to provide our readers with news and information,” Sutton said in an interview at the company’s headquarters on Fountain Street in Providence.

UPDATED FRIDAY PART 2: The union posted a list of the laid-off employees, with names and titles, on its Web site.

More comic relief

2008-10-08T20:10:00.002-05:00

There are a number of good scenes from the cult classic "Office Space." We chose this one for today.

Re: Input

2008-10-07T07:20:00.004-05:00

We appreciate the feedback on how to cover D-day. We have decided to report only total numbers of losses by department and by job classification. That helps us understand the general approach taken by leadership.

Be assured we will not include anyone's name or other identifying information, such as a specific job title or specific beat covered. That will stay in-house. We will delete any comments that breach this.

Employees who want to use this blog to send a farewell message to friends or distribute contact information may contact us directly.

UPDATED FRIDAY: The Providence newspaper union posted a list of laid-off employees, with names and titles, on its Web site.

Input

2008-10-04T09:06:00.001-05:00

Within the next two weeks, the layoffs will be completed. The Rock seeks your input on how to handle this day and the aftermath.

During the buyouts, we counted newsroom losses by department. We listed departing colleagues' names only after they e-mailed or were identified publicly by managers. We also offered them the use of this blog to share their contact information or farewells.

We believe this balanced colleagues' right to privacy with staff members' hunger for information. We are open to better ideas.

You may share suggestions by leaving a comment or e-mailing therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Comic relief

2008-10-04T08:55:00.007-05:00

Everyone can find a humorous line in this clip from "The Paper."

Poll results

2008-10-02T07:55:00.002-05:00

Most voters to the latest question, "Do you think the DMN will be notified of layoffs this week," think Oct. 17 may hold as a day of both announcements and departures. Providence had received two weeks' notice, which if the same method were used here would suggest news by Friday. The final results:

22 votes (44%): No way. My bet is Oct. 17. We will get notice and depart on same day. Think 2004

19 votes (38%): Maybe. I have heard so little anything seems possible at this point:

8 votes (16%): Definitely. We will get two weeks notice like Providence. That fits in with the Oct. 17 completion target

Jobs, jobs and more jobs

2008-09-29T20:51:00.006-05:00

Are you willing to leave Texas to practice journalism? If so, then there are a number of great new opportunities on our updated jobs listings. The list of prospective employers includes NPR, Associated Press, Bloomberg, Politico, The New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education and Men's Health.

Know of an opening? E-mail us at therockoftruth@gmail.com, or feel free to post a comment about your job.

Poll results

2008-09-28T17:20:00.005-05:00

The latest results to the poll question, "Do you stand by your decision about the buyouts?," reflect some trepidation from voters. Nearly half of the 55 respondents did not take it but worry about their future as a layoff announcement looms at the Dallas Morning News.

As for other voters, equal numbers of non-buyout takers feel safe or are willing to accept whatever lies ahead. Six of the people who did opted out and responded have no regret, though.

The final results:

I did not take it. I am worried for my future: 26 votes (47%)
I did not take it. I do not fear being laid off: 12 votes (21%)
Life is short. What happens happens: 11 votes (20%)
I took it. I am glad I did: 6 votes (10%)
I took it. I wish I had not: 0 votes (0%)

Notes

2008-09-25T20:50:00.014-05:00

A few items to pass along while we all watch and wait:

1.) City of Arlington police department has a media relations job open. The job description is not yet online. Check our jobs page for that and other openings.

2.) Multiple sources report three non-union Providence managers, two regional bureau editors and a chief librarian, were laid off today. That brings the total editorial losses there to 45 from a total of 250. The alternative news weekly in Providence provides some coverage.

3.) It is worth reiterating that Friday, Oct. 17, should now be treated as a final deadline for the Dallas Morning News layoffs. The Providence cuts show these decisions are evolving. The layoff announcement could be sooner than previously explained. Therefore heed the advice of blog commenters and make preparations. Copy your files and Rolodexes. Consult experts on insurance options and financial planning. Refer also to the links under "Employment issues" on this blog's menu.

4.) Corporate decided today to hold onto more of its money and reduce the amount of dividend it pays to shareholders. CEO Robert Decherd said that "it is important to recognize the impact of current industry and market conditions, and retain as much financial flexibility as possible as the company works through the remainder of 2008 and 2009."

Providence cuts start

2008-09-24T12:38:00.008-05:00

UPDATED

The union representing the Providence Journal announced today that 30 newsroom positions will be cut, a "huge" number that multiple sources said left employees "shocked."

The expectation at the Journal had been that it would lose about 10 to 15 editorial jobs. The newspaper missed its minimum target during the buyouts by 13.

Most employees learned their fates today. They will receive formal notification from human resources Thursday. They must work through Friday, Oct. 10, if they want to receive the severance package.

The losses from buyouts and layoffs represent just over 15 percent of the Journal's newsroom staff of 250.

Union officials said in a statement that, unlike 2004 in Dallas, Corporate "has told us there will be no security guard escorts to the door, or sudden disconnecting of your computers. We have tried to work out with the company what might be called the best way to handle a bad situation."

No news to report about Dallas or Riverside.

Update on timing of D-Day

2008-09-24T07:16:00.002-05:00

UPDATED

Sources with knowledge of the layoff preparations say newsroom employees at some A.H. Belo properties could be notified about their future sooner than Friday, Oct. 17. Any staff member in that situation would work up to Oct. 17, the sources say.

There are no specific details about any single property at this time, aside from Providence Journal.

For the Dallas Morning News, this means Oct. 17 could be the completion of the layoff process rather than the day of notification. If you remember, Corporate had given Providence's newspaper union the date of Oct. 17. The laid-off employees are now leaving Oct. 10.

Caveats apply: Until A.H. Belo makes a public announcement, anything can change.

The week ahead

2008-09-22T06:53:00.001-05:00

We learned last week the target date for newsroom layoffs is Friday, Oct. 17. We also learned reductions in force began in other areas like Quick and Belo Interactive. The situation is developing obviously.

Three lingering questions for the week ahead:

1.) How will Corporate notify employees they are RIFed?
2.) How many positions in the Dallas Morning News newsroom will be cut?
3.) Are the organization charts shown the last day of the buyout period still accurate?

Do you have new information? Do you have a correction? Contact therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Departing the DMN

2008-09-21T12:32:00.000-05:00

We recently surveyed those who took the Dallas Morning News buyout to understand more fully who we were losing and why. Questions asked included ones about their career experience, plans for the future and second thoughts on departing.

We received nine responses thus far from staff members in various departments. The results are:

How many years in journalism do you have?
Average response was 13 years. Range was 10 years to 34 years.

How many years at the Morning News do you have?
Average response was 9 years. Range was 5.5 years to 27 years.

Do you have plans for the future? Do you plan to stay in journalism?
Equal numbers of buyout takers said they had plans and did not have plans.
Yes responses: Half had new journalism jobs and half were returning to school.
No responses: Half said they would not return to journalism and half would possibly reconsider.

If you had to do it again, would you still take the buyout?
All said yes. One did express having some second thoughts but stood by the decision.

If you took the buyout and would like to contribute to the survey, e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Career transition sessions

2008-09-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

Suzanne Marta, a Dallas Morning News business writer and Buyout Class of 2008 member, reports that the career transition sessions offered through Corporate have been productive and helpful.

Buyout takers from all A.H. Belo properties have the option of taking them as they seek their bright future.

Continue reading Suzanne's review of the sessions

Finances

2008-09-20T09:31:00.006-05:00

An alert reader directs us to a confounding situation on Wall Street. This news will not make you forget AIG, Bear Stearns or Lehman Brothers. This will not make losses on the 401K statement easier to absorb.

Newspaper company stocks have been on the rise this week. That includes A.H. Belo.

A.H. Belo closed Friday's trading at $7.07, up nearly 10 percent on the day and nearly 20 percent for the week. Even McClatchy, the beleaguered owner of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, managed an increase.

A.H. Belo's shares have not been at this level in three months. Even after the job cuts were announced in late July, the prices fell steadily to a low of $4.67 a month later.

You may wonder what the impact could be on the pending layoffs. This certainly cannot hurt. However, the most important numbers are the pending results for the third quarter, which ends Sept. 30. Expect figures several weeks later from Corporate.

Updated jobs

2008-09-19T10:10:00.003-05:00

Keep those job postings coming. With layoffs a month away on Oct. 17, we need to help expose colleagues who may depart to as many opportunities as possible. The newest batch of jobs include several good communications openings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

UPDATED: There are also several business jobs for Dow Jones and Bloomberg News in Houston.

Required reading

2008-09-19T06:34:00.005-05:00

One of the many unanswered questions before us is how will the layoffs take place on Friday, Oct. 17.

We direct you to the American Journalism Review's profile of the Dallas Morning News' 2004 layoffs, also known as "reductions in force." Some staff members were not around then. Others have tried to block that time from your memory. All should re-read.

The profile, headlined "The Dallas Mourning News," recounts the layoff process, the reasons for it and the morale issues that arose. Several of our dearly departed colleagues spoke on the record about their experiences.

We understand this may depress some. That is not the intent. It is to inform during this time of uncertainty and prepare the staff for what could be happening on Oct. 17. The RIF timeline in the AJR article:

1) Managers attended classes, dubbed "firing school," directing them on what to say to a laid-off employee.

2) Cardboard boxes for packing up belongings began to appear.

3) Employees were instructed to be at their desks at a specific time on D-Day.

4) Some employees then were phoned and told to come to a room. Their supervisor and a human resources were inside. The supervisior laid them off by reading from a script provided by a consulting firm.

5) Employees were immediately locked out of their e-mails and the internal computer system. They packed their desks and left that day.

The AJR profile also gives valuable background and comments from top Morning News leadership. We do not have space to recount all the highlights. We choose one from CEO Robert Decherd.

"This is not a happy time at the Dallas Morning News. We know that. We acknowledge that. What we're saying is, let's take a step back together and understand what it is we have created as an organization ... and put back together the commitment, the loyalty, the belief that will carry us forward."

Help wanted: Layoff reports

2008-09-18T20:19:00.002-05:00

UPDATED FRIDAY

We have received preliminary reports that layoffs happened in Belo Interactive earlier today. These are unconfirmed at this stage. If you are one of the employees dismissed, please contact therockoftruth@gmail.com to help us substaniate.

We can also report that a Quick employee was also cut several days ago. A commenter raised that prospect. We can substaniate that. The employee has contacted us.

Reminder

2008-09-18T06:31:00.000-05:00

A high-level executive involved in the layoffs planning has been quoted as saying Corporate's directives are "daunting."

Therefore it may be a prudent time to review the "Employment Issues" section of this blog's left-hand menu. We have links to financial, labor and health insurance Web sites.

Treat those as informational. The best advice comes from a professional.

Advice from an ex: Michael Precker

2008-09-18T06:15:00.001-05:00

Today's installment is from Michael Precker. He was a longtime writer, most recently in the lifestyles department, who took the buyout in 2006. As many of you know, he went on to handle publicity, writing projects, creative duties and daily management at The Lodge, a gentlemen's club in Dallas.

Read more about Michael's thoughts.

A break from the bad news

2008-09-17T21:08:00.011-05:00

An alert reader directs us to some recent Doonesbury cartoon strips at Slate.com. There is a particularly relevant storyline of late. You can click on these for enlarged views.

D-day: Oct. 17

2008-09-17T07:10:00.002-05:00

UPDATED WEDNESDAY

Management has notified Providence's newspaper union that Friday, Oct. 17, is the target day for layoffs, The Rock has learned.

That date applies to all A.H. Belo newspapers. Corporate previously announced that layoffs would be completed by mid-to-late October.

News of management's notification in Providence corroborates details passed along yesterday by one of our commenters.

Two major questions still unknown to most of the staff are how many employees will be laid off and what will be the process for the cuts.

We will pass along more details as we get them.

Coverage of San Antonio bureau closing

2008-09-17T06:20:00.001-05:00

The San Antonio Express-News blogged about David McLemore's buyout departure and how that signals the closing of the Morning News' bureau there, the state's second-largest city. This leaves the newspaper without a bureau in Texas' two largest cities.

The Express-News item quotes Editor Bob Mong as saying the Morning News will cover San Antonio from its Austin bureau.

"They'll do a good job, but it's not the same as having Dave there," he said.

David, a 34-year veteran of newspapering, agreed to let The Rock post his goodbye message to the newsroom last Friday.

Advice from an ex: Staffer No. 3

2008-09-17T06:02:00.000-05:00

Today's installment comes from a staff member who took the buyout in 2006. The staffer was a veteran who served in several different roles at the Dallas Morning News. The staffer, who is freelancing, requested anonymity and we honored that because the information is valuable.

Click here to continue reading.

Two items

2008-09-16T06:42:00.003-05:00

This blog is designed to be one of information-sharing. Commenters are showing themselves to be insightful. We direct you to two recent items.

1) A management source placed the number of Dallas Morning News buyout takers at 24, according to one commenter. The Rock and a predecessor blog run by Mr. Sunbeam had identified 22 employees who were departing through the VSO. The newsroom needed to have roughly 40 job cuts.

2) Another reported that human resources notified top newsroom editors of a layoff date sometime in mid-October. This is similar to the timeframe that Corporate previously announced.

Caveats apply as usual. Until management speaks, nothing is set in stone.

Quick

2008-09-15T21:56:00.000-05:00

The Rock has realized another shortcoming of this blog. We have neglected to note in our list of buyout takers that Quick, the fast-read, youth-oriented publication, has also lost people.

Quick's totals do not count toward the Dallas Morning News' target of roughly 40. They count nevertheless because more good people are leaving the building.

We have had one staff member contact us. We will gladly add others to the Class of 2008 list as we receive them.

Providence coverage

2008-09-15T21:48:00.000-05:00

The local business journal explores the implications of the job cuts at the Morning News' sister paper, the Providence Journal.

Poll results

2008-09-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Again voters delivered overwhelming results in the latest poll. Nearly 90 percent of the 80 respondents felt emphatic that Corporate would end up cutting more jobs at the Dallas Morning News than the previous target of roughly 40 positions.

Here were the final results:

Yes. Are you kidding? "Over 350 people" has wiggle room: 69 votes (86%)
Possibly. But only a few. We understand things change: 8 votes (10%)
No. Moroney us promised a newsroom of "over 350 people": 3 votes (3%)

For past poll results, go here and here.

Trends

2008-09-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

With most of the buyout takers saying goodbye a few days ago, the time seems appropriate to reflect on the job losses that have transpired in the last decade at the Dallas Morning News.

Hundreds of losses, Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists gone among them. One might look at this and ask whether we have bottomed out, or whether we have a ways to go.

We take this from a post originally written last month by Mr. Sunbeam, the author of a predecessor blog, and adapt slightly to add in some details.

In 1998, it was a buyout that was offered only to workers of a certain age and experience level. The number of people who accepted was small, perhaps around 20.

In 2001, if memory serves, there was a layoff of about 25 newsroom staffers.

We all recall the layoff of 2004, where 65 newsroom staffers lost their jobs, including at least one Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Two years ago, about 110 staff members opted to leave, including at least four people who were part of winning Pulitzer Prizes. That final round left the staff size at 450.

All in all, more than 200 people have departed via previous buyouts/layoffs, including at least five people who helped win a Pulitzer Prize or were finalists.

Attrition from earlier this year took the newsroom down to 395.

Corporate said it wanted the staff cut to 350. The final count after the buyouts is unclear, but at least one Pulitzer-Prize winner was accepted. Also unclear is the headcount post-layoffs.

Note to buyout takers

2008-09-12T18:01:00.000-05:00

Many great goodbye notes went out inside the building today. If any of you would like to use this blog to pass those on as well in the coming days, we are more than happy to accomodate you. Just e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

A goodbye in Providence

2008-09-12T12:55:00.001-05:00

Colleagues from the Providence Journal gathered last night to pay tribute to buyout takers there. Sheila Lennon, a features and interactive producer, chronicled it with words and pictures on a Projo blog.

It's not possible to put into words how much this hurts. The Journal, and all of Rhode Island, are poorer for losing the contributions these journalists will not be around to make.

The same could be said for the Morning News and Dallas.

Sad day upon us

2008-09-12T09:10:00.008-05:00

UPDATED

Friday is here. Most of our colleagues who opted for the buyout and were approved depart this day. It is strikingly to see the talent walking out the door.

Parties and gatherings are scheduled throughout the building. Please stop by and wish our friends well. No one minds if you did not know them. Journalism is a fraternity.

Before we take another look at our friends who will undoubtedly go out and make another employer happy, we make this offer to them. If any of you would like to post goodbye messages, please e-mail them to therockoftruth@gmail.com. We will begin to share all that we receive.

In alphabetical order (these are employees who agreed to release their names for publication):

Business (1)
Marta, Suzanne: reporter. (contact: Suzanne.Marta [at] gmail.com )

Lifestyles, arts (4)
Becker, Stephen: assistant editor, arts. (contact: sbecker [at] kera.org)
Daniel, Mike: writer/copy editor, arts.
Dunklin, Mary: Healthy Living editor. (contact: marydunklin [at] yahoo.com )

News management (1)

Metro (3)
Anderson, Karin Shaw: reporter. (contact: anderson.karin [at] att.net )
Beauchamp, Jenni: news assistant. (contact: jenni.beauchamp [at] gmail.com)
Fox, Laurie: reporter. (contact: laurie-fox [at] sbcglobal.net )

News art (3)
Abrams, Kerri: page designer/F!D Luxe and Looks. (contact: kerriabrams1 [at] mac.com)
Black, James: graphics editor.
Dugger, Jason: design editor/sports. (contact: jwdugger [at] yahoo.com)

News/copy desk (1)
Kelly, Terry: senior assistant news editor.

Photo (5)
Jau, Mei-Chun: senior video producer/editor. (contact: meichun007 [at] gmail.com)
Leeson, David: photographer, videographer.
Pruitt, Richard Michael: photographer, videographer.
Schlegel, Erich: photographer, Austin bureau. (contact: erichross1 [at] gmail.com)

Quick (2)
Pinson, Travis: paginator/copy editor. (contact: tpinson [at] gmail.com)
Velez, Chris: paginator/copy editor.

Sports (4)
Eckberg, Jon: page designer/copy editor. (contact: joneckberg [at] gmail.com)
Miller, Jeff: assistant editor. (contact: 214-794-4384)
Moore, Joel: page designer/copy editor. (contact: auxnap [at] hotmail.com)

State (2)
Hawkins, Amy: office manager
McLemore, David: reporter, San Antonio bureau.

NOTE: If you also took the buyout and have reconsidered wanting to post your name, feel free to e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Riverside news

2008-09-12T08:55:00.001-05:00

We have heard few reports from the Dallas Morning News' sister newspaper, the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif. An alert reader directs us to word of a business editor's departure there in a dispute over a new product. The editor's memo explaining what happened is posted at Poynter's Romenesko site.

More jobs

2008-09-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

UPDATED THURSDAY

We have about 10 new job openings posted. Browse them here.

Keep sending those that you hear about.

Advice from an ex

2008-09-11T07:15:00.001-05:00

Today's installment is from Ed Bark, the longtime television critic who left during the buyouts of 2006 for reasons that many of you know. He created his own Web site to cover local and national TV.

Read more from Ed

Update

2008-09-10T19:20:00.013-05:00

(Please treat with care. Until management speaks, nothing is set in stone.)

Editors throughout the Dallas Morning News had meetings Wednesday apparently to discuss the impending layoffs, based on multiple reports.

The participants, department heads and higher in title, were not divulging details when asked.

Some of that silence could be expected. A lawsuit filed by 18 former employees alleging discrimination during the 2004 layoffs is scheduled for trial in January. Corporate undoubtedly is proceeding with caution.

Reports have been circulating that top editors are creating lists that rank staff members as part of the layoff process. It is unclear what factors are being used.

Employees in Providence likewise have received no information on which method Corporate will use to cut jobs.

Current buyout count

2008-09-10T07:11:00.003-05:00

The number of staff members set to depart through the buyouts stands at 22.

That number is based on people who have directly confirmed they were accepted by Corporate and on reports of staffers openly discussing it. We have included the latter in the total but not yet listed their names.

If this holds, the newsroom fell well short of its buyout target of roughly 40 as expected. That could be mean layoffs in the works could be deep.

We continue to update the list of buyout takers and have broken it down based on department. Most people were reporters, copy editors, page designers and photographers, in addition to a couple of assistant editors.

If you would like to add your name to the list, e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

We also would take all job openings that you may know of.

Advice from an ex: Staffer No. 1

2008-09-10T06:55:00.000-05:00

Today's installment comes from a departed colleague who left during the layoffs of 2004. This person served in several roles at the paper at several levels on the organizational chart. Out of deference to the person's current employer, we are honoring the person's request to speak without using a name.

More from Staffer No. 1

Cuts elsewhere

2008-09-10T06:40:00.000-05:00

Day 6 of Layoff Watch 2008 is here. As we wait for news, we thought it might be instructive to take note of how another major Texas newspaper is conducting its job cuts, the Houston Chronicle.

We realize the inherit pitfalls in comparing one company to another. Especially when one company is publicly traded, such as A.H. Belo, and the other, Hearst, is private.

Caveats aside, compare away.

Advice from an ex

2008-09-09T06:15:00.000-05:00

For today's installment, we have thoughts from Tim Wyatt. Tim was a longtime reporter in the projects and metro departments who took the buyout in 2006. He now works as the public information officer for the Collin County government.

To read Tim, go here.

Odds and ends

2008-09-09T06:05:00.001-05:00

1.) Thank you to everyone who sent job openings so far. We continue to update those daily. Make sure you check those.

2.) The list of buyout recipients is growing. Several people volunteered names yesterday.

3.) Do not expect news on Day 5 of Layoff Watch 2008. It appears high-ranking management from the Dallas Morning News and Providence Journal are meeting with Corporate officials discussing processes for more days to come.

Poll results

2008-09-09T05:53:00.002-05:00

Voters were overwhelming in their displeasure about the timeline Corporate set for layoffs in the most recent poll. We asked your thoughts on the completion date of mid-to-late October, and 47 out of 54 total respondents had some level of disapproval.

The final results:

Absolutely hate it. This is torture: 38 votes (70%)
It will be somewhat distracting. But we will get by: 9 votes (16%)
Good. We need time to prepare: 5 votes (9%)
It is OK. I can see the point: 2 votes (3%)

TO READERS: If you have a poll question you would like to suggest, e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

List of buyout takers

2008-09-08T12:45:00.020-05:00

UPDATED WEDNESDAY

We continue to tally the number of staff members whose buyouts were accepted and whose Dallas Morning News tenure will end Friday.

Departing colleagues from the classes of 2004 and 2006 have said publicizing their names helped land job leads. Sharing your name also has a benefit to those who remain.

Corporate has not released a newsroom-wide number of buyout takers. Nor has it said how many layoffs must occur. Therefore the newsroom has no way of knowing whether Corporate will ultimately cut more jobs than the previous target of roughly 40.

These individuals have either contacted therockoftruth@gmail.com and given their permission to post, or publicly released their names elsewhere. Parenthesis denote the number of staff members in the department who have discussed taking the buyout but have not yet given clearance to be named.

In alphabetical order:

Business (1)
Marta, Suzanne: reporter. (contact: Suzanne.Marta@gmail.com)

Lifestyles, arts (4)
Dunklin, Mary: Healthy Living editor. (contact: marydunklin@yahoo.com)

Metro (3)
Anderson, Karin Shaw: reporter. (contact: anderson.karin@att.net)
Beauchamp, Jenni: news assistant. (contact: jenni.beauchamp@gmail.com)
Fox, Laurie: reporter. (contact: laurie-fox@sbcglobal.net)

News art (3)
Abrams, Kerri: page designer/F!D Luxe and Looks. (contact: kerriabrams1@mac.com)
Dugger, Jason: design editor/sports. (contact: jwdugger@yahoo.com)

News/copy desk (1)
Kelly, Terry: senior assistant news editor.

Photo (4)
Jau, Mei-Chun: senior video producer/editor.
Leeson, David: photographer, videographer.
Pruitt, Richard Michael: photographer, videographer.
Schlegel, Erich: photographer, Austin bureau. (contact: erichross1@gmail.com)

Sports (4)
Eckberg, Jon: page designer/copy editor. (contact: joneckberg@gmail.com)
Miller, Jeff: assistant editor. (contact: 214-794-4384)
Moore, Joel: page designer/copy editor. (contact: auxnap@hotmail.com)

State (2)
McLemore, David: reporter, San Antonio bureau.

New feature: Advice from an ex

2008-09-08T06:30:00.003-05:00

Today we are pleased to debut this feature, "Advice from an ex."

Since some colleagues will leave this week with buyouts and the rest wait to see what lies ahead with layoffs, we decided to solicit advice and tips from our dearly departed colleagues from the classes of 2004 and 2006. We hope to publish as many of these as we receive.

The messages that have arrived in the inbox thus far have come with hope and encouragement. The common theme is that journalists have skills that are valued in the workforce. The ability to craft words, edit and design are highly sought-after. Being unafraid to branch out from the comfort zone of newspapers into New Media and networking at all times are two other key refrains.

We begin the feature with thoughts from Harriet Blake, a former editor in lifestyles and metro who took the buyout in 2006. Continue reading Harriet.

The week ahead

2008-09-07T20:00:00.003-05:00

Last week was another momentous one in the history of A.H. Belo. Not for good reason.

For the fifth time since 1998, the company has ordered cuts at the Dallas Morning News. Legend has it that no one had ever been laid off or bought out before this period. That was a remarkable time of stability the likes of which we will probably not see again.

Some key questions were answered during the announcements that layoffs would ensue. Other important ones remain unknown. Several of the issues before us:

1) How many of the 270 buyouts came from the DMN newsroom?
2) How many of the 50 layoffs must come from the DMN newsroom?
3) Will the newsroom end up losing more people than previously targeted?
4) When will the layoffs begin? (We have only been told when they will complete.)
5) How will the layoffs be conducted?
6) What level of management will decide the layoffs?
7) Who shot J.R.?

Help wanted

2008-09-06T09:25:00.003-05:00

We are interested in hearing from dearly departed Dallas Morning News colleagues who left in the rounds of job cuts from 2006 and 2004 to glean advice and pointers for employees who are about to venture out into the workforce.

If you are interested in sharing your advice and experiences, please e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com. We hope to prepare posts that we can publish soon on this blog, as our friends begin a new stage of their careers. We hope these posts can be helpful and even inspiring.

More jobs

2008-09-06T08:47:00.031-05:00

UPDATED SUNDAY, OCT. 26

The time seems appropriate for another round-up of job openings. Some of you learned this week that your buyout offer was accepted and next Friday is your final day. Many others were notified by e-mail that you will face layoffs during the coming weeks.

This compilation is primarily from several of the job boards posted on this blog's site, but does include a few sent directly to therockoftruth@gmail.com. These jobs were posted primarily because they were close to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and involved some degree of journalism skills. There is also a diversity of job types listed.

Journalism (Texas)
NEW! County reporter. Amarillo Globe-News.
NEW! Sports editor. Abilene Reporter-News.
NEW! Design editor. Lone Star Outdoor News in Dallas.
NEW! News editor and sports editor. The Herald-Zeitung in New Braunfels.
NEW! Night police reporter. Tyler Morning Telegraph.
NEW! Copy editor/page designer. The Brownsville Herald.
Community reporter. Gainesville Daily Register.
Assistant news editor. Tyler Morning Telegraph.
Police reporter. Tyler Morning Telegraph.
Copy/layout editor. Tyler Morning Telegraph.
Web producer. Waco Tribune-Herald. (Be advised Waco is up for sale.)
Sports editor and sports copy/layout editor. Victoria Advocate.
General assignments/beat writer. The Monitor in McAllen.
Editor, Austin Monthly Home.
Reporters, crude oil market and retail. Dow Jones in Houston.
Bureau chief. Dow Jones in Houston.
Reporter, energy. Bloomberg News in Houston.
Editor/reporter. Rumbo, Spanish-language paper in Houston.
Copy editor/designer. Temple Daily Telegram.

Journalism (U.S., International)
NEW! Weekend Web editor. nbcwashington.com.
NEW! Reporters in Washington, Brazil and Mexico, editors in across the U.S. and abroad, and Web jobs. Bloomberg News.
NEW! Various jobs for print reporters, designers. Disney (the owner of ABC and ESPN).
NEW! Creative developer. Poynter Institute.
NEW! Copy editor, Orlando Sentinel.
NEW! Copy editor, Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
NEW! Copy editor/page designer. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo.
NEW! Technical director, associate producer and others. Newsweek's Web division.
NEW! Online editor for diet & weight loss. Prevention Magazine in New York.
NEW! Two reporting and one editing jobs. CQ Weekly in Washington, D.C.
NEW! Temporary associate editor. Runner's World.
NEW! Sports editor, Fort Wayne (Ind.) News-Sentinel.
NEW! City Hall reporter. The Burbank Leader (part of Los Angeles Times' suburban chain).
NEW! Online business reporter, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
NEW! Reporter, amNewYork.
NEW! Web reporter, Charleston (W.V.) Gazette.
Newsperson. Associated Press' Newark bureau.
Several reporting slots. The Hill in Washington, D.C.
Copy chief. Men's Health magazine.
Assistant editor. BoatUS magazine.
Reporter. Chronicle of Higher Education.
Investing editor. Bloomberg News' San Francisco office.
Banking reporter. MarketWatch in New York.
Science correspondence and national security and intelligence editor. NPR.
Web producers. The New York Times.
Deputy managing editor, lobbying reporter and copy editor. Politico in Washington.
Sports designer/copy editor. Orlando Sentinel.
Openings for various journalism channels. About.com

Communications (Texas)
Web designer. National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Communications manager. Pinnacle, a real estate management firm.
Entry-level public relations assistant. Brown Books.
Police media relations coordinator. City of Arlington. (contact: Lt. Blake Miller)
PR and marketing assistant. Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth
Marketing and communications coordinator. Federal Home Loan Bank in Irving.
Director of communications. Dallas County Medical Society

Communications (U.S., abroad)
NEW! Web Communications Specialist, Texas A&M's Qatar campus.
NEW! Managing editor for publications. The National Association of REALTORS in Chicago.
NEW! Program officer for health journalism. The International Center for Journalists in Washington.
Communications manager. United Airlines in Chicago.
Senior writer. John Hopkins University
Media relations officer. St. Louis Art Museum

Layoff Q&A from Providence

2008-09-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

The employees union in Providence published Friday afternoon a layoffs Q&A for its members working at the Journal, the Dallas Morning News’ sister publication.

Answers to several big questions remain unknown, the union said. The lack of information is apparently not exclusive to the Morning News. Why is this?

The prevailing sentiment in both newsrooms is that Corporate has kept tight controls of the decision-making in this round of job cuts. Only the highest levels of newsroom managers are included. Top Journal managers were in Dallas for meetings Friday, to cite an example.

The most interesting details in the Providence Q&A were two possible scenarios for the layoffs at the Journal:

Method A: Start with the least senior people and work up. This would hit part-timers first. Advantage for the company: there would be no bumping, because only the least senior people are laid off. Disadvantage to the company: the company could lose people in jobs they don’t want to cut.

Method B: Identify the jobs the company considers to be over staffed. The least senior person in the eliminated job could bump to a position they are competent to perform. The bumped employee could also bump to another position. Advantage to the company: Cuts can be targeted to specific classifications. Disadvantage to company: Bumping can be extremely disruptive and there would likely be disputes over pay rates for bumping employees and how to determine competence.

Dallas employees should keep in mind that because the Morning News is not a guild newspaper and Texas is a “right to work” state. Therefore Corporate could use different methods for cutting jobs. We are not reporting that this is how layoffs will transpire at the Morning News.

Sign of times

2008-09-05T20:52:00.000-05:00

Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram enter joint distribution deal

By BRENDAN CASE / The Dallas Morning News

The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram have reached a joint distribution agreement in an effort to reduce costs, the two newspapers said Friday.

Under the agreement, The News will deliver about 5,000 daily copies and 7,000 Sunday copies of the Star-Telegram in Dallas, Cook, Denton and Ellis counties.

The Star-Telegram will deliver about 21,000 daily copies and 20,000 Sunday copies of The News in Tarrant, Parker, Hood and Johnson Counties.

“There are certain geographies where we both have significant distribution, and we’re sending two cars down the same street, each delivering one product of each of the two companies,” said Jim Moroney, publisher and chief executive of The News.

“If we can get one car going down the street, delivering both products, it lowers the cost of distribution for both companies,” he said.

Full story here

Coverage of Thursday's news

2008-09-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

The following is a round-up of news stories about A.H. Belo's announcement that buyouts met roughly 80 percent of the target and layoffs will take place. There is little here, we understand, but there is little out there to be read.

Providence Journal staff story

Associated Press through the Forbes Web site

Dallas Morning News brief

Press-Enterprise of Riverside, Calif., brief

Financial matters

2008-09-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

We again provide material from Mr. Sunbeam and his predecessor blog about financial issues that buyout takers and anyone laid off may encounter. This is not intended to be financial advice. We publish this simply to get you thinking about the issues early in the process.

The direct link to his old post covers payroll deduction for a DMN subscription, Flexible Spending Accounts and COBRA.

Layoff FAQs

2008-09-04T16:45:00.012-05:00

The sad news finally arrived. It was not entirely unexpected. That does not make it easier to absorb.

Several questions were answered. Many more were raised.

The following is a feeble attempt to address what is known at this point. We understand this is not as complete as you all may want or deserve. Our apologies.

If you have a question you think we missed, e-mail us at therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Q: What was the actual number of buyout takers?
A: 413 at all properties. Corporate wanted 500.

Q: What was the distribution throughout the company?
A: The Dallas Morning News had the most departures with 270 in all departments. The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., was next with 120. The Providence Journal had 23. (Corporate did not provide a department-by-department assessment.)

Q: What are the financial terms of the layoffs?
A: 1.25 weeks for each year of service through 20 years; 2.5 weeks of severance for each year of service above 20 years; and a maximum of 35 weeks.

Q: How many additional people are targeted? A: At least 80 from the Dallas Morning News and the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif. It is unclear how many will come from Providence, but that newspaper was 12 short of its 35-person target. If Corporate stays with that number in Providence, the grand total of job cuts will be 505.

Q: How many people are targeted at the DMN?
A: 50 in the departments of news, production, customer retention call center and Al Dia. That would make for a total of 320 job cuts.

Q: How many specifically in the newsroom?
A: It is unclear.

Q: How many at other A.H. Belo newspapers?
A: 30 at the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., and an undisclosed number at the Providence Journal subject to contractual obligations.

Q: When will the layoffs happen?
A: The start date is unclear. But these should be completed in mid- to late-October.

Q: How will they be decided?
A: It is unclear. One possibility is that newsroom managers will rely upon the new organizational charts presented a few weeks ago. Departments that met their buyout targets could be safe. Those that did not could have to cut involuntarily.

Q: How much money will this save?
A: $29 million on an annualized basis.

Q: What did CEO Robert Decherd say?
A: "These job actions are part of a restructuring of our newspaper operations that accelerates the allocation of resources to promising new print and online products while focusing our workforce on A. H. Belo's local content creation and sales capabilities. We greatly appreciate the dedication and service of all A. H. Belo employees who are leaving the Company under the voluntary severance program. I'm confident that we're taking the right steps to realign our resources to meet consumer and advertiser needs while maintaining the exceptional quality of A. H. Belo's journalistic products."

Q: What did publisher Jim Moroney say?
A: "These are challenging times that call for difficult decisions. Over the coming months we will work together to address the challenges ahead and focus on making a smooth transition to our newly-aligned organization. As we move forward, it is important that we all continue to focus on the areas that we each can control – our role in supporting the production of outstanding news and information publications and websites and serving our customers."

Breaking news: Layoffs for DMN

2008-09-04T16:14:00.003-05:00

Corporate just released a statement on its Web site. A quick excerpt:

The involuntary reduction in force will be completed by mid-to-late October to achieve the necessary remaining workforce reductions. The expense related to the reduction in force is estimated at $2.4 million and will be recorded in the fourth quarter. The reduction in force is limited to the news, production, customer retention call center, and Al Dia departments at The Dallas Morning News; the news, consumer sales, packaging and production departments (excluding pressroom) at The Press-Enterprise; and, the news, editorial, advertising and promotion departments, subject to contractual obligations, at The Providence Journal.

Coverage from Providence

2008-09-04T12:46:00.006-05:00

The Phoenix alternative news weekly reports that Journal employees are concerned layoffs there "could be greater in number than the difference between those taking the buyout (22) and the minimum target (35)."

The parent Belo Corporation has cited a company-wide plan to cut 500 jobs, and the rumored number of takers in Dallas is about 22-29. ... The potential bottom line could be very severe. Stay tuned.

Seen this morning at DMN

2008-09-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

This photograph was sent in by an alert reader.

UPDATE: Another alert reader provides a possible explanation for the appearance of cardboard boxes. We hope this is reason to breathe a sigh of relief.

Darryl Thornton, the vice president over human resources, sent an e-mail to some employees this morning and noted the boxes were for buyouts takers who were approved.

"Most employees will need boxes to pack their personal belongings," according to the e-mail. "To obtain boxes for your employee(s), please contact ... in Facilities with the number of boxes needed and where they are to be delivered."

Darryl also noted two things that may interest departing employees.

1) They will have "exit meetings" with their managers next week. These will be mostly administrative in nature to return company property. If the employee would like "a more in-dept [sic] exit interview," according to the memo, they can work with their managers to "contact Human Resources who will schedule an interview. Human Resources will schedule and conduct exit interviews with those employees who are manager level and above."

2) If they are leaving on Sept. 12, the final paycheck will come on Sept. 26. This will include payment for the last work week, any unused vacation and full severance amounts. The check will be received the normal way the employees got their money.

Breaking news: Layoffs in Providence

2008-09-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

Updated Thursday

Corporate notified the Providence Journal on Wednesday afternoon that an unspecified number of layoffs will happen there, according to multiple sources.

It is unclear yet whether the layoffs are limited to the Providence Journal or whether they will extend to the other A.H. Belo newspapers, the Dallas Morning News and the Press Enterprise in Riverside, Calif.

The number of layoffs in Providence, which fell short of its minimum buyout target by 13 employees, has not been released. Details on the severance package and how the process will occur may not be known until next week, according to the sources.

Corporate had told the Providence employees union that it would share the information by last Friday. The reason for the delay is unknown.

One possibility is that August, the second month of the third quarter, closed its books within the last few days. Dallas newsroom managers raised the possibility in meetings last month that the company's financial performance following the buyout announcement could affect the number of cuts it was seeking.

No official buyout numbers have come out of the Morning News in the two days after Corporate notified departing employees of their acceptance or rejection. Newsroom estimates were that the paper missed its newsroom target of roughly 40 employees. Some rumblings began early Wednesday that preparations were being made for layoffs.

Sources have previously said that Riverside had more than enough staff members opt for the buyout.

Buyout offer turned down

2008-09-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

A sign that the company did not accept all Dallas Morning News employees who sought buyouts is in. A sports web producer received a note from human resources with news that the company had declined the offer.

The web producer was not informed of a specific reason why, but apparently had put in the request shortly before the end of the opt-in period.

The generic explanations that managers have previously stated were included in the note. Rejections would happen if a department was oversubscribed, a request arrived later than others, or the company’s operational needs required it keep an employee.

What this means for the Dallas Morning News is unclear. Maybe we will know soon.

Trickle of buyout takers

2008-09-03T12:10:00.001-05:00

UPDATED THURSDAY

Now that people have confirmation they have been accepted for the buyout, some of our departing colleagues are releasing their names. These individuals have contacted therockoftruth@gmail.com and given their permission to post.

In alphabetical order:

Anderson, Karin Shaw: reporter, metro
Leeson, David: Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, videographer
McLemore, David: reporter, state

Rumblings

2008-09-03T10:15:00.000-05:00

We hesitate to post this. Please take this with great caution:

Rumblings are out there that layoff preparations are being undertaken. Buyout takers have received word on whether their offers were accepted. Corporate presumably has its number and knows what it requires to reach target. No further information to share at this time.

If anyone has information to the contrary or in verification, please comment or e-mail therockoftruth@gmail.com.

HR presence

2008-09-03T07:59:00.000-05:00

Human resources officials were circulating Tuesday in the newsrooms in Dallas and Providence, based on multiple reports. The officials were seen several times throughout the day meeting with top managers in both cities.

Employees who opted for the buyout were scheduled to be notified this week whether Corporate accepted the offer. The meetings between human resources and top managers could suggest that buyout takers may be hearing news shortly.

Possible HR paperwork

2008-09-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

This past posting by Mr. Sunbeam should be helpful in preparing potential buyout takers who are contacted by human resources in the next few days. The same caveats would apply; this is for informational purposes, not legal consultation.

When buyout-takers receiving your confirmation info today, you may be asked to sign a release agreement as a condition of receiving severance.

The release agreement specifies four federal and one state law that govern employment discrimination. It also states that you agree to waive "any and all" claims under other state, federal and local employment laws.

This waiver is NOT intended to relieve you of your legal rights under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The company decided not to offer the 45-day waiting period that would have been mandatory had you been asked to waive rights under ADEA.
For further information, consult an expert. Mr. Sunbeam is a journalist who reads the occasional law. This is NOT an official statement, and HR was not consulted. No advice is being offered about whether to sign the release. There is also no suggestion of wrongdoing or bad faith.

Word to buyout takers

2008-09-03T07:31:00.000-05:00

Corporate is unlikely to release a list of employees whose buyout offers were confirmed if past experience is a judge. If you are departing and you want to release your name, consider sending an e-mail to therockoftruth@gmail.com.

Why would you do this? You have value in the marketplace. Going public may help potential employers find you.

During the 2004 layoffs, one departing staff member who went public said he landed a plum job in the private sector when the prospective boss was looking for a writer and saw his name, according to a predecessor blog.

During the 2006 buyouts, another departing staff member who went public was contacted by the Wall Street Journal when it learned she was available.

You can also use this blog to publish farewells to colleagues. You can also use this to pass along contact information to remain in contact with them.

Of course, this is a deeply private decision for many of you. You may wish to remain private. That is your right. You earned it.

Update

2008-09-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

A source who interacts with Corporate is left anticipating layoffs and says details of how it will unfold are expected sometime this week.

The number of takers at the Dallas Morning News is fluid. The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., had more people opting for the buyout than Corporate had anticipated, the source reports. The Providence Journal was below the low end of the target range (35) by 13.

The week ahead

2008-09-02T07:35:00.000-05:00

Corporate previously said that Sept. 12 would be the last day of work for employees who opted for the buyout. That is nine business days away. Big questions remain:

* Were there enough buyout takers and dollars saved to avert layoffs at the Dallas Morning News?

* When will staff be informed?

* If there were enough takers, is a reshuffling of newsroom staff still likely?

* What would be the timeline of layoffs and financial terms of the severance package?

* What level of management would control layoff decisions?

* Would layoffs follow the new organizational chart, or would they be handled differently?

* Would Corporate decide to eliminate more jobs than previously indicated?

Poll results

2008-09-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Only one out of 39 voters in the "Do you think the DMN met its buyout target" poll thought that the newspaper was successful in reaching the 40-plus mark. Newsroom managers had cited a number in that range based on Corporate's desire to have an editorial staff of about 350 full-timers. If you are correct, layoffs will be coming.

The poll's final results:

Far from it. At best 20-29: 27 (69%)
Run for the hills. Less than 20: 8 (20%)
In the ballpark. Probably 30-39: 3 (7%)
Yes. 40+ people. Layoffs averted: 1 (2%)

Congrats

2008-09-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Pardon the slight detour from talk of job cuts. But we think it is worthy to recognize staff accomplishments.

Business writers Jason Roberson and Bob Moos won awards from the Texas Medical Association journalism competition. This is the third consecutive year that the newspaper has won first place for medical reporting, according to a news story in Saturday's edition. To that we say: Well played, business staff.

Jason won first place in the large-circulation print category for a story, headlined "A Thorny Issue." An excerpt:

Politics, poverty and illegal immigration intersect here to make health care a thornier issue than in most states. And Texas, with legends of independence and gritty self-reliance, has rarely been at the forefront in creating government entitlements.

Bob finished second in the same category won first place in the large-circulation print category for a story, headlined "Disabled struggle under Medicare's wait." He was the winner in 2006 and 2007. An excerpt:

Mr. Richmeier, who's 44 and lives in Denton, suffered a traumatic brain injury in an auto accident in 2005 and soon qualified for Social Security disability benefits. But like 1.5 million other Americans with severe disabilities, he has to wait two years to get help from Medicare for doctor visits, hospital stays and medications.

Kudos as well to the reporters' editors and their decision to publish a story on the awards. That sort of recognition improves staff morale and reminds readers that quality journalists work at the Dallas Morning News.

Advice from an ex: Staffer No. 3

2008-08-31T20:46:00.001-05:00

Staffer No. 3 left during the buyouts of 2006 and worked in several different roles at the Morning News.

1) It is traumatic to leave a job or career that felt like a dream job. You'll have to cope with that for a while; it's like going through a divorce or losing someone to death, especially if you've been in the business as long as I was. I spent months literally in a state of "what's next?" In my newspaper career I was privileged to cover some very big stories in several different countries. It was difficult to imagine going forth without the credentials, the backing of a big organization. But as we all know, that backing from the News was always conditional. It depended on whether you were in favor with the managers or not at any given time -- for whatever trivial reason.

2) Once you begin to smart a bit less from the pain of leaving, allow yourself to open your eyes. You'll see that being in journalism, as in any other career, makes you develop tunnel vision. Your scope of life is limited by the parameters and the guidelines set by the industry. It's also set by the inherent biases held by those in the industry. There is a lot more to do in the world than you might think. Who says that it's less honorable to make a living as a commercial writer or photographer, or as a graphics artist or a copy writer for an ad agency, than it is to be a journalist? Is it less honorable to be a business manager or to work in sales? Who says that? You? DMN managers? If you believe that, then by all means look for another journalism
job. It is great work – if you can still get it. Frankly, the folks I know who are doing less well, and who are still bitter since leaving the news are those who are still throwing these kinds of stones. I personally don't see the point in wallowing in it.

3) Don't be afraid to try something entirely new or to try some other kind of publishing career in books or magazines or the Internet. Layoffs across the publishing industry mean that more organizations are turning to freelancers for stories and other content. No, I'm not earning the kind of money I was earning while at the News, but I feel very strongly – and my peers agree – that I am much better at what I do since I left the News. That's because I don't have the inner editor insisting that this structure won't work for a newspaper story, that it's too long for the average reader, that it has to have a news-you-can-use factor, that busy moms won't like it, that first-person stories don't fly – or that it violates whatever the current fad happens to be.

4) Don't be afraid to be happy once you're out. I am happier now than I have ever been. I still read newspapers, I still love the ideals of journalism, and in my freelance career I adhere to the guidelines of being accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. I still love a good story. But I can honestly say that I don't want a fulltime newspaper job anymore.

Advice from an ex: Michael Precker

2008-08-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

Michael Precker was a longtime writer, most recently in the lifestyles department, who took the buyout in 2006. As many of you know, he went on to handle publicity, writing projects, creative duties and daily management at The Lodge, a best gentlemen's club in Dallas.

I’ve hesitated to chime in here, because my post-buyout fate tends to elicit snickers and wisecracks, and this is serious stuff. But I want to make a couple of points, so here goes:

The fact we all needed a Plan B was a prime lunch topic for years, but I never made one. This was serendipitous and I was lucky. I don’t have any good advice beyond hoping you’re smarter than I in networking, job-hunting and the like. But all the talk about our skills being useful and wanted outside newspapers is true. You’d be surprised how much I use them.

When I left, I really wondered how it would feel to be detached from newspapers, after 30 years in which they were such a part of my identity – and 25 of having DMN attached to my name. My wife says now she was really concerned about that.

You bet I miss it. I miss the work, and the connection with the world, and the vitality of a newsroom, and the people I got to see every day. But it’s nostalgia for how things were, not how they are now. Frankly, how things are now made it easier than I ever expected to move on.

That’s a common trait among the exes. I root like crazy for the paper and everybody there, but I can’t think of a single buyoutee who’s sorry about leaving. With the way things are in newspapers generally, and at our place in particular, I predict you’ll have the same reaction.
Hang in there, and Godspeed. Now fire away with the snickers and wisecracks. I could use a few new ones.

Career transition sessions

2008-08-31T18:02:00.001-05:00

I've spent my first week off of work in classes and I'd like to say, if you haven't taken any of the career transition sessions offered by Lee Hecht Harrison, sign up now. (ahbeloemp@lhh.com or 800-435-7516) The initial series of classes run through Oct. 10 and there are more focused courses after that.

First, they're free. And even though you probably "know" a lot of this stuff, it gives you a good framework for developing a discipline for how to approach your next step, whether it's as a writer or in another field. Chances are resumes have changed a lot since you last put one together-- mine has undergone a complete overhaul.

Second, hey, even old dogs can learn new tricks, right? It's a chance to rethink what you're looking for in your next job in terms of what is most important to you. Will it be too "basic" for you? Maybe. But maybe the exercises will help you to focus on what you want out of your next job.

Third, you can sign up for one-on-one consulting sessions with the trainers to address your particular needs.

If your work has been extended at the News, call LHH, the trainers told me they're willing to work with folks on their specific needs.

Ed Bark on aftermath of job cuts

2008-08-31T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ed Bark, the former longtime TV critic at the DMN, was present at both the 2004 layoffs and the 2006 buyouts. He took the latter, survived the former.

The layoffs were far more painful, from a personal standpoint. I wept with some colleagues in full view of the newsroom. Very unusual for me, but hardly an uncommon sight that day.

Those of us who survived felt fortunate -- and lousy as well. Colleagues who had done nothing except excel were suddenly past tense at the DMN. What could we say to them? I'm glad I said something, because saying nothing just wasn't an option. There's no point in worrying about appearances, I found. Just let it all out, because that's what friends are for.

In 2006, I simply kept packing and packing, day by day, putting dents in my infamous landfill of an office. I couldn't make myself attend the official farewell gathering in the conference room right next to my "cave." I was the only who didn't. In retrospect it was a graceless way to handle it. But many of us did later share drinks that evening at the hotel bar across the street. Those memories are still very vivid, and very much cherished.

In the end, there's no easy way out, or proper way to say goodbye. I'll never enter the DMN building again because, well, I'm still a stubborn mule on that particular promise I made to myself. But I will be thinking of my former colleagues as history sadly repeats itself Friday.

In the end it's another beginning for those who are "let go." The crustiest among us -- guilty on all counts -- have found ways to gradually accentuate the positive and temper the bitterness. I had a helluva time for most of my many years at the DMN. And that's what will always stick to the wall.

Goodbye from David McLemore

2008-08-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

David's career spanned 34 years, most with the Dallas Morning News. He joined the newspaper in 1981, when he was hired as the first bureau chief of the Morning News' San Antonio bureau. His departure signals the end of the paper's presence in the state's second-largest city.

I have no wish to minimize the emotions felt by my colleagues as we depart. Some of us are just leaving early. Sadly, many more will soon follow involuntarily. But sadness? Not really. Not for me.

I'll miss the people most. The laughs, the goofiness, the shared sense that we were doing something meaningful in the world. Unfortunately, the latter has been badly
battered lately. I'm not so sure anymore what we're doing as a profession. Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable doesn't seem to cut it
anymore.

For me, it was time to move on, to shake loose the easy chains of a steady job and regular paycheck and live a life uncertain again. (Though one could argue just what was so damn certain about the last two years.) I walk out the door today without a clue what I'll be doing or what the future holds. To those I leave behind, I wish good luck in the maddeningly difficult work of filing informative, entertaining and factual stories every day. On deadline.

There are plenty of good people left at the DMN willing to fight the good fight. You have my respect and my love and all my best wishes. With the new construct of journalism we work under, you'll need all the luck you can find.

As for me, to quote Eric Cartman, the philosopher of South Park, "Screw you guys, I'm going home."

Advice from an ex: Staffer No. 1

2008-08-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

Staffer No. 1 was among the departed colleagues in the Class of 2004. Like other exes in the series, he also had several different jobs in different departments at different levels at the Dallas Morning News.

1) Don't look back. I was hit in 2004 after years of promotions. I was encouraged, along with everyone else, to apply for openings after the layoff. I spent five months applying for open positions at The News. Most of the trails started off encouraging and many led to interviews, but all ended suddenly, with no explanation other than I was overqualified. So make a clean break; you'll get over it faster.

2) Scouring job boards alone doesn't count. It feels like you're really working the job search when you apply online for 50, 100, even 200 jobs over the period of your search, but it's a shot in the dark that only satisfies your quota for unemployment benefits. Companies pay for so many keyword hits for jobs on Monster and Careerbuilder. Unless your resume is an amazing match, you likely won't even be seen. Belo paid for career counseling back in 2004, and we were told only about 6% to 8% of job-seekers find work through online searching. The job gets won by networking. So build up those LinkedIn and Facebook profiles and connections.

3) It isn't your fault. If you've been at The News since before 2000, it's going to hurt. You experienced The News and the industry at its peak and have worked your best
through the downturn. You'll miss the newsroom and your colleagues. You may have
to move for suitable work. But you didn't do anything wrong. Take your skills
and write your own, more exciting future.

4) You're lucky to get out. That's not my tip. I've visited the paper five times since 2004. Each returning visit, several former colleagues stopped me to say I was "lucky to get out" in the 2004 layoff. It took a long time to start to believe it.

Refresher on buyout estimates

2008-08-31T07:24:00.000-05:00

The poll results keep coming in. Most voters think the Dallas Morning News' editorial operations fell short of the target of buyout takers needed to avert layoffs.

Many predict the newsroom had 20 to 29 employees take the company up on its buyout offer. It is not a bad guess. One day after the opt-in period closed, Newsbuyout08, a predecessor blog to this one, posted a rough count of 22 takers.

The Rock can substaniate 14 of the 22. The number verified by department is noted in parentheticals. Those people have not yet granted permission to release their names. The list:

From Photo: four photographers (4)
From News Art: three artists (2)
From Business News: one reporter (1)
From Local News: three reporters, one clerk (4)
From Arts/Lifestyles: one reporter and four editors (2)
From Sports: one assigning editor, 3 copy editors, one page designer (1)
From Editorial: no takers
From Enterprise/Projects: no takers
From News Desk/Universal Desk: no known takers

Newsbuyout08 previously blogged that there were few takers in advertising. The Rock has no details about numbers in departments such as circulation, printing and human resources.

Corporate has not stated what happens if the Dallas Morning News as a whole or one of its departments has a low number of takers but other areas of A.H. Belo have an abundance, which may not be likely.

The assumption has been each property and department must meet its own target or else. That is a question Corporate mercifully will answer later this week.

* * *

(To readers, if The Rock gets anything wrong or forgets something that corporate has said, please send an e-mail to therockoftruth@gmail.com and we will correct the information.)

Advice from an ex: Staffer No. 2

2008-08-31T06:48:00.000-05:00

Today's installment comes from a copy editor who left during the 2006 buyouts and found work at another major newspaper. Out of deference to the person's current employer, we have agreed to the person's request to keep their name private.

I took the money and ran in 2006, and don't regret it for a second, even though
I'm in another precarious situation. I barely survived a round of layoffs at my
new paper this spring, and will likely be gone by the end of the year.

But it's been a revelation to work at a paper with smarts and a gung-ho attitude from top to bottom, even if the bottom line doesn't look any better than anyone else's. Even better, my wife and I love where we're living, and we'll do whatever we have to in order to stay here. If that means getting out of journalism, so be it. Life's too short to agonize over a job.

Whether you took the offer or manage to survive the layoffs, recognize this clearly: If you stay in journalism, you'd better be in non-stop job-hunting mode. Keep networking and testing the waters, even if you find something that looks reasonably secure. Otherwise, I'm afraid you're living in a dream world.

Marice Richter

2008-08-31T06:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I will miss truly miss all the wonderful colleagues and friends I have made over the years at The DMN.

You have made this job worth hanging onto for 23 years, despite the ups and downs in working conditions. I feel truly blessed to have been able to work part-time for many of those years so I could also keep my family a priority.

I'm sorry that management hasn't fully embraced the benefits of a part-time employees, who want to be productive journalists and good parents at the same time.

I have no immediate plans other than to be home when the kids bolt through the door after school. But if anyone knows of good freelance opportunities, send them my way.

Take care.

David Hinojosa

2008-08-31T06:39:00.001-05:00

I would like to thank everyone who contacted me over the weekend.

Your kind words and support mean more to me than you’ll ever know. I’m grateful to have such wonderful friends. I will miss you.

As I look for other buckets to carry, I will give the freelancing/stringing thing a whirl. If you can use me, I can be reached at dhinojosa [at] aol.com.

Thank you again.

Clay Morton

2008-08-31T06:38:00.001-05:00

Thirty-one years (27 at the DMN) to build a journalism career. Ten minutes to end it. Of course, I knew it could happen, but experiencing the layoff came as a shock -- once the numbness wore off.

Fortunately, I have Sharon and my kids, friends and even Bangs the Dog and Vince and Comet the Cats for support. All have been wonderful.

I really have only two regrets about my time at the DMN: One, that I didn’t get to know more of you better; two, that I wasn’t able to out-Bob Miller Bob Miller.

I especially enjoyed my years spent playing small-town newspaper man in the office on the Rockwall square. It was wonderful fun, and I’m grateful to the DMN for the opportunity.

More recently, as economic conditions forced a retreat from the local-local strategy, I enjoyed midwifing stories of more regional interest. I’m proud that all three of my most recent reporter-partners were able to mine the suburbs for 1A stories.

As some of you know, in my personal life I rely less on faith than on philosophy for comfort. Here’s mine:

Whoever said time is money was wrong. Time is infinitely more precious than money. And no investment of time can make it grow. The best we can do is to spend it wisely.
For me, that means wasting not a minute in bitterness.

Short term, I plan to take a couple of weeks to read, reflect and perhaps trek around Big Bend a bit. (How many people get the chance for a mid-career break?)

Also, it’s occurred to me that I’m now free to plant an Obama sign in my yard – another perk of disaffiliation with a newspaper.

Then, of course, I’ll need to relearn the art of resume writing and sleuth out potential non-newspaper places to put newspapering skills to work. (This seems a good time to diversify the family’s sources of income.)

I know the whole layoff process has been an ordeal, as well, for those of you who remain. My advice is to put the pain behind you as quickly as possible and enjoy the journalism ride as much as possible for as long as possible.

We core readers are depending on you!

Advice from an ex: Tim Wyatt

2008-08-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Tim Wyatt was a longtime reporter in the projects and metro departments. He was most recently the federal courts reporter before taking the buyout in 2006. He now works as the public information officer for Collin County's government.

This probably won't be very comforting to those facing this round, but here's my two cents worth:

1. If you're leaving journalism for good, take heart with what a "Classmate of 2004" told me two years ago: "Corporate America can't write for shit, but they will pay for those who can, and they'll probably pay more than The News." It turned out to be true. Hell, government paid more than The News.

2. It might be the end of your dream job (it sure was for me), but it's no reflection on you. Even a low-brow, foul-mouthed hack like me turned out to be marketable in the outside world, and I have more time for my kid.

3. Taking a job outside of journalism doesn't make you a whore unless you were already leaning in that direction.

4. No matter where you land, the pressure and stress just won't measure up to the level to which you were accustomed in the newsroom. You can handle anything now, odds are slim that some rat bastard lawyer will sue you for libel, and deadlines in the outside world are laughable.

That's all I have. I wish you all well.

Job openings: journalism

2008-08-30T17:13:00.000-05:00

Position: Managing editor
Company: PegasusNews, an online news/arts site
Location: Dallas
We need someone to lead our newsroom, organizing and educating a young, fiercely independent but open-minded team. You should be familiar enough with the Rules of Journalism to know which ones to break. You should be a strong writer and editor. You need a healthy respect for the importance of data alongside narrative. You need to be a team builder who leads by example.

Great organization skills are essential. Traditional Media experience is nice, but non-traditional media experience is an even bigger plus. Before doing anything, spend some time on PegasusNews.

If you like what you see, then ask yourself how you'd make it even better. Some night and weekend work required. Apply to Mike Orren at mikeorren@pegasusnews.com. See what our news team says they want.

* * *

Position: Senior producer, metro
Company: Washingtonpost.com, Newsweek Interactive
Location: Washington, D.C.
Washingtonpost.com is looking for an experienced journalist who is passionate about serving readers with local news and information, and who will be our lead in expanding interactive features in our local sections.

This producer's responsibilities will include: Conceiving and executing original, interactive initiatives and content. This could include, but should not be limited to, user-generated content, crowd-sourcing, games that engage and help tell stories,polls, quizzes, contests, live discussions, user-generated and "crowd sourcing" content. Working with journalists at washingtonpost.com and the Post newspaper to enhance print content with appropriate interactive components. Serving, in an occasional rotation, as our lead day producer, in charge of metro’s daily news sections.

In addition, this producer will own one or more specific local content areas of particular importance to our readers. The candidate will be our lead producer for those areas, working with Post newspaper journalists and colleagues at washingtonpost.com. Education is likely to be one of these.

Top candidates will have local news and web producing/editing experience, plus demonstrated creativity and ability to conceive and execute features that directly engage readers. We are looking for high energy and non-stop ideas.

Fluency in HTML and other web development languages and tools is not necessary, but a minimum level of familiarity and comfort with them is required. This is not a television production position.

In order to apply please e-mail David Marino-Nachison at David.Marino-Nachison@wpni.com and submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. We are committed to diversity in the workplace and promote a drug-free work environment.

* * *

(A message from The Rock to prospective employers: Please contact therockoftruth@gmail.com if you have a job you would like posted on this blog. This is your opportunity to connect with some of the best journalists in Dallas/Fort Worth.)

Job openings: communications

2008-08-30T16:28:00.000-05:00

Position: Community Relations Coordinator
Company: Collin County Childrens Advocacy Center
Location: Collin County
Collin County Childrens Advocacy Center seeks Community Relations Coordinator as a member of the Development Team. The CRC will work closely with the Director of Development to implement and promote the community relations programs and enhance the Centers image and engage community members. Responsibilities include support of community involvement, marketing and communications. Support signature program branding and collateral development including annual report, brochures and other communication tools.

College degree preferred. Public speaking experience a must. Possess knowledge of public relations principles and practices. Knowledge of journalistic principles, practices and procedures to include AP style grammar and spelling. Email resume and salary requirements to jfleming@cacplano.org.

* * *

Position: Parent Educators, Adult Literacy Early Childhood
Company: AVANCE-Dallas
Location: Dallas
Due to a recent expansion, has multiple openings for highly organized individuals with strong communication skills to plan and implement the AVANCE-Dallas Parent-Child program in schools and community settings. Present open positions include: Adult Literacy Coordinator, Parent Educators (2), Case Worker, Home Visitor, Toy Making Instructor, Early Childhood Supervisor. Full and part time positions available. For complete job descriptions and requirements please email Anne Thomas, Operations Manager at athomas.dal@avance.org.

* * *

Position: Marketing Communications Coordinator
Company: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Location: Dallas
This position provides required materials, information, and data to meet general media and public relations requests; develops and implements archive systems and contact management databases for the Marketing Communications Department; writes and edits copy for a variety of different applications and venues; coordinates distribution and follow-up associated with press releases, media alerts, and related public relations events.

Positions qualifications include BS or BA in communications, PR, marketing, journalism; 1-2 years experience in PR, journalism communications or related industry; computer and Internet skills including research; project management, meeting deadlines, coordination with supervisors; demonstrated experience with team partnership, personal initiative, and professional judgment; experience with external vendor relationship management; strong business and journalistic writing skills; familiarity with various video equipment formats; 10-20% travel opportunities
Susan G. Komen is an Equal Opportunity Opportunity.

Can apply through Monster.com. Salary 32-36k. Full-time. 5005 LBJ Freeway, Dallas 75244; fax 972-855-1692.

* * *

(A message from The Rock to prospective employers: Please contact therockoftruth@gmail.com if you have a job you would like posted on this blog. This is your opportunity to connect with some of the best journalists in Dallas/Fort Worth.)

Advice from an ex

2008-08-30T15:21:00.004-05:00

Harriet Blake is a former staff member who was a lifestyles and metro editor among many hats she wore during her 20-plus years here. She now is a freelance writer for Noofangle Media, a Web news organization started by two other exes, Tom and Bobbi Kessler.

It's been two years since I took the '06 buyout. It truly stinks to have to make a decision like this when you were not planning to "retire" for many years. I was in a better place than most since I was planning to leave the DMN in the summer of '07 to join my husband in Boston. But determining what to do in the next chapter of life isn't easy.

I started out sending numerous online resumes to companies that had posted their jobs on journalismjobs.com, craigslist and mediabistro.com. These sites are good for seeing what's out there, but most employers don't seem to look at these online resumes, no matter how "clever" the cover letter.

Out of the many queries I sent out, I received one call. I later found out it was ecause the woman doing the hiring had a kid who had attended my alma mater. It had nothing to do with my experience. Knowing someone on the inside seems to be the way to go and after so many years in the business, most of us know someone who knows someone.

I finally decided to pursue freelancing. I now specialize in writing about the environment, something I've always had an interest in. Freelancing works for me since I had a teenager who needed rides to school, sports, social events, etc. Freelancing has its pluses -- your time is your own, no commute (and with price of gas this was very nice) and you can work in your PJs. The down side is obvious -- until you become firmly established, your pay is minimal compared to what you were previously earning and there are no health benefits. If you can swing dealing with the latter (a working spouse certainly helps), freelancing is not a bad way to go.

You might also think about freelancing for just the short term, while you search for something more stable. It's a way to keep your hand in journalism, whether you choose to remain in the biz or not.

There are jobs out there that require our writing and editing skills. As they say, it's who you know. Keep networking. Talk to friends in and out of the business. If leaving the area is an option, check out other parts of the country. Many of our former colleagues have found success outside of the DFW area.

And as our friend Barry Horn once told me, "if we let any of our kids major in journalism in college, we should be reported to CPS."

(Maybe it runs in the genes, but my son IS majoring in journalism, albeit broadcast. Sigh)

Joyce Saenz Harris

2008-08-30T10:02:00.002-05:00

JOYCE SAENZ HARRIS (jesharris@sent.com)

For the record, I was a senior writer in Lifestyles and the only DMN reporter on the food beat. I had been at the DMN more than 25 years, and despite being 54 and thus presumably vulnerable, this was completely unexpected.

The first couple of days have been undeniably tough. I'm doing OK now, though. My husband's still there and, thanks to him, I have some space and time to decide what to do next. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy our two young grand children, cook a lot, work on my novel that's been unfinished for five years, and read a lot of good books. After more than 31 years in the newspaper business, most of it at the DMN, I plan to enjoy this extended downtime.

And I certainly will not miss the ongoing stress at the office, although I will miss [almost] all the people there. My husband and I met at the newspaper, and I've had many wonderful experiences working at the DMN, including 10 years on the High Profile staff in the 1990s, and the past four years on the food beat.

I'm just glad I was there for the glory years.

Best.

Pam Troboy

2008-08-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all my friends on the Universal Desk and in the Business department for the good times I had at the DMN. I'm going to miss you and the newspaper, too.

If you have any suggestions or leads for the next stage of my life, I'm at ptroboy@aol.com.