No news is NOT good news

Beacon Journal editor Bruce Winges got it right. “The Beacon Journal is no exception” to the rough times in the newspaper industry.

It took only 77 words to provide the news.

In the huge economic scheme with Summit County unemployment above the state level it is not a big deal--unless, of course, you are one of the 20 who will experience it. The news was offered in a Backgrounder on the second business page–a little difficult to find on Ohio.com where a search for ‘Winges’ asks if you mean “twinges” which usually means a sharp, sudden pain.

Here’s the story:

Beacon Journal
offering buyouts
The Akron Beacon Journal announced Tuesday that it is offering early retirement and buyout packages to all newsroom employees.

''We are offering these packages because of the economic downturn the newspaper industry is facing. The Beacon Journal is no exception,'' editor and vice president Bruce Winges said. ''We believe that these packages are a generous alternative to layoffs.''

The early-retirement package is available to employees 55 years and older. The buyout is available to all newsroom employees.

And here’s the talk:

There is not much news, but lots of talk going the rounds. An earlier post (August 11) noted that Phil White, advertising customer service manager, was let go. White is 55 years old and began working at the Beacon Journal on June 23, 1975.

Also heard was Jan Wyatt, who has been at the Beacon Journal for 30 years, left because she found another job. Jerri Combs, who was secretary to the comtroller for 25 years, got severance pay of two weeks for every year of service.

And how about these “have you heard” comments:

“Tony Barone who works in newsprint told me this is the first time in history of Beacon that they have ordered a less amount of paper to use.”

“Circulation will be delivering the Plain Dealer in all our delivery areas except up in the Northern part.”

“ I heard just the opposite that they will be delivering PD to the northern part.”

Which may prove that no news is not good news