NCT offers voluntary buyouts

By: North County Times | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:02 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO -- In response to a downturn in the economy, North County Times newsroom employees on Wednesday were offered voluntary buyouts.

Publisher Peter York said that advertising artists also were offered buyouts following a recent restructuring of sales teams.

"We've avoided this as long as we were able to," York said. But, he added, the newspaper, which covers North San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County with its Californian edition, is not immune from the realities of the local economy.

The "real estate industry and allied industries like floor covering, home furnishings and landscaping are some of what drives the economy in this region," he said, and the downturn has left the newspaper with declining revenues.

In an e-mail sent to the 130 newsrooom employees, Editor Kent Davy said the paper is seeking up to 20 staff members to volunteer for the buyout. He said no decision had been made on what will happen if that goal is not reached.

In the meantime, Davy said, it is important to stay focused on what the newsroom does each day.

"As we move forward through turbulent times, the goal will always be how to improve the quality of the newspaper even as we have fewer resources to do it," he said. "This staff is composed of remarkable journalists, and I am confident we will overcome these challenges just as we have overcome challenges in the past."

Those who accept the offer will receive one week's severance pay for each year of service up to 26 weeks and some health benefits, according to the e-mail.

The North County Times is not alone in dealing with declining advertising revenues. The Chicgo-based Tribune Co. plans to cut 400 to 500 jobs companywide, including about 100 each at the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, the company announced Wednesday.

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