Six editors laid off at Denver Post

Six major layoffs took place today at the Denver Post. All of those involved in non-union positions. They are: Stephen Keating, the former editor of the Post's political website, PoliticsWest.com, who will continue to work on a project for Post-owner MediaNews Group; assistant city editor Cynthia Pasquale; assistant design director Ingrid Muller; online director Mark Cardwell; systems editor Eric Strom; and the biggest name of all, managing editor Gary Clark.

Clark, who has been employed by the Post since January 2003, confirmed the names above, and described the reasons for the move as "cost-cutting." He added, "I just wish the Denver Post well, and everybody who's still there. It's a fine group of journalists. They put out a good newspaper, and they've got to strive to make it great."

Here's the staff memo from Moore that announced the layoffs:

From: Moore, Greg
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 3:25 PM
To: D-Post-All
Subject: A message from Greg Moore

Staff:

Today, I gave separation packages to people who have meant a lot to
this newspaper. Leaving us will be Gary Clark, Mark Cardwell, Erik
Strom, Ingrid Muller, Stephen Keating (who will continue work on a
project with MediaNews) and Cynthia Pasquale. Their last official day is
Friday, though some of them understandably chose to leave this
afternoon. Our colleagues will be deeply missed. These departures were
forced by budget cuts I have to make. I had hoped to avoid having to
make any more personnel reductions, but that was impossible. I want to
thank each and every one of them for all their contributions to The
Post. I will miss them all, but especially my right-hand man, Gary,
whose hard work, dedication and friendship has meant the world to me.

I will have a staff meeting tomorrow at 4:30 to talk about this and
other matters. I think you all know the financial challenges facing this
industry and this newspaper. Today's action should drive it all home for
you.

Thanks

Greg

[Source: Westword, Denver*s alternative news weekly: