US: Boston Globe accepts 23 buyouts, does not reveal names

Posted by Carolyn Lo on April 25, 2008 at 9:50 AM

The Boston Globe has accepted at least 23 applications for buyouts from the newsroom and editorial staffers, according to a memo from editor Martin Baron. The paper has avoided layoffs and has reduced staff through "ordinary departures and frozen positions," reads the memo.

Baron writes that the list of those taking the buyout will not be disclosed "out of respect for employees who prefer not to have their names widely disseminated."

Adam Reilly from the Boston Phoenix concedes that this move is sensitive to the employees, but does not fully consider the readers who "may be wondering which of their favorite writers might be leaving."

Boston Daily has revealed some names: Steve Bailey left the Globe, though not through the buyout, and Jackie MacMullan took the buyout to spend more time with her family. The Daily also speculates that Gordon Edes will move to Yahoo! Sports, and that basketball writer Peter May will also leave.

The next few weeks, the Globe anticipates to internally fill positions that are necessary, giving "new opportunities for staffers," but also creating "some additional uncertainty," writes Baron.

Sources: Poynter Romenesko, Boston Phoenix through Poynter Romenesko, Boston Daily, Editor & Publisher