The Washington Times announces future mass layoffs

Posted by Betsey Reinsborough on December 3, 2009 at 1:01 PM

The Washington Times just announced that it is cutting up to 40 percent of its staff, reports Politico, which quotes acting publisher and president Jonathan Selvin as saying that there will be "significant staff reductions."

At a meeting regarding the future of the Times, all employees were given notices that layoffs will be occurring in the future. All employees, however, were guaranteed jobs for the next 60 days. This announcement was made to ensure that the Times is following the WARN Act, which requires companies of more than 100 employees to give 60 day advanced notice for mass layoffs.

The Times currently employees a staff of 370.

Though no solid figures were given at the meeting, there are estimates that upwards of 40 percent of total staff could be laid off.

The Times just underwent a massive restructuring following the removal of four top executives. The president/publisher, chief financial officer, and chairman were all fired, and the executive editor, John Solomon, resigned the same day.

The hierarchy of the paper has been disrupted ever since Rev. Sun Myung Moon handed ownership over to his two sons. The Rev founded the paper in 1982; it is owned by his Unification Church.

The meeting was followed by the release of a new outline detailing the changes the paper will make "to become a 21st century multimedia company."

Included in the changes is a plan for controlled-market local circulation, which will have the Times distributed for free in certain parts of D.C., focusing mostly on politically influential parts of the city. The paper is also looking to expand its online presence and the syndication of its daily radio show.

USA Today also announced layoffs yesterday as did the Toronto Star last week.

Source: Politico