Those who want to keep up with what's happening should click on the following site:
newsbuyout2008.blogspot.com
Mr. Sunbeam remains retired and has no connection with this site.
However, he readily endorses the concept of providing information and has no reason to believe that those behind the new site do not also have the best interests of the staff at heart.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lights Out
Mr. Sunbeam is going dark. He has tried to do what he can to help. Thanks to those who expressed their appreciation. You're welcome. Godspeed to everyone.
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Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Very Unofficial Breakdown of Buyouts
Surprise, surprise. Neither management nor HR is sharing names or numbers of buyout-takers. Only six people notified Mr. Sunbeam of their intention to take the buyout, and one rescinded. Therefore, Mr. Sunbeam's information is both unofficial and likely incomplete. Few names are being used because most folks have not authorized release of their names.
From Photo: four photographers
From News Art: three artists
From Business News: one reporter
From Local News: three reporters, two clerks
From Arts/Lifestyles: one reporter and four editors
From Sports: one assigning editor, 3 copy editors, one page designer
From Editorial: no takers
From Enterprise/Projects: no takers
From News Desk/Universal Desk: one news editor
From Quick: 4 staffers (no breakdown by position; does not figure in DMN count)
Yes, Mr. Sunbeam realizes this is only 24 people. There was reportedly some movement on the final day, both people rescinding and putting in. There are reports that some people tried to opt in after the deadline. Don't know how that will play out. HR has been adamant in meetings and messages that the deadline was immovable. Company policy, they said.
There is no official word when HR will announce the next move. The list of buyout-takers will have to be reviewed and approved by who knows how many suits. Management has previously said things will be finalized the first week of September. But that was before they knew they would fall far short of achieving the stated 40-person buyout target. The last time there was a layoff, you will recall, there wasn't a lot of official word before the event occurred.
Everybody is a name, as far as Mr. Sunbeam is concerned. Some names are better known. One of those who took the buyout is one of those. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner. He has not authorized release of his name, so Mr. Sunbeam won't disclose it until he gets the okay.
Biggest surprise of the departmental meetings: Local News going from two deputy managing editors to one. This was the only reported reduction in newsroom managment, which currently numbers 12 for a staff that is soon to be at most 350 people.
From Photo: four photographers
From News Art: three artists
From Business News: one reporter
From Local News: three reporters, two clerks
From Arts/Lifestyles: one reporter and four editors
From Sports: one assigning editor, 3 copy editors, one page designer
From Editorial: no takers
From Enterprise/Projects: no takers
From News Desk/Universal Desk: one news editor
From Quick: 4 staffers (no breakdown by position; does not figure in DMN count)
Yes, Mr. Sunbeam realizes this is only 24 people. There was reportedly some movement on the final day, both people rescinding and putting in. There are reports that some people tried to opt in after the deadline. Don't know how that will play out. HR has been adamant in meetings and messages that the deadline was immovable. Company policy, they said.
There is no official word when HR will announce the next move. The list of buyout-takers will have to be reviewed and approved by who knows how many suits. Management has previously said things will be finalized the first week of September. But that was before they knew they would fall far short of achieving the stated 40-person buyout target. The last time there was a layoff, you will recall, there wasn't a lot of official word before the event occurred.
Everybody is a name, as far as Mr. Sunbeam is concerned. Some names are better known. One of those who took the buyout is one of those. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner. He has not authorized release of his name, so Mr. Sunbeam won't disclose it until he gets the okay.
Biggest surprise of the departmental meetings: Local News going from two deputy managing editors to one. This was the only reported reduction in newsroom managment, which currently numbers 12 for a staff that is soon to be at most 350 people.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Early Reports
Completely unofficial, even highly speculative, head count numbers remained in the low 20s as the deadline passed. The final day,Mr. Sunbeam heard of three people who withdrew their names and only one who put in. Anxiety levels were clearly raised by the departmental meetings, but whether that resulted in any mass movement toward taking buyouts remains doubtful.
At the meetings, the managing editor's charts showed reductions of 10 editor positions in Local News, eight editor and reporting positions in Sports, one editor and one reporting position in Business News, four editing and one tech positions in photo and 10 mostly editing positions in arts and lifestyles. That's a total of 35 positions, not including News Art and the Universal/News Desks.
Bottom line: Don't be surprised if any layoffs that occur are larger than any of us expected.
At the meetings, the managing editor's charts showed reductions of 10 editor positions in Local News, eight editor and reporting positions in Sports, one editor and one reporting position in Business News, four editing and one tech positions in photo and 10 mostly editing positions in arts and lifestyles. That's a total of 35 positions, not including News Art and the Universal/News Desks.
Bottom line: Don't be surprised if any layoffs that occur are larger than any of us expected.
Don't Be Misinformed
Human Resources representative Cindy McFarlane told the Local News meeting this afternoon that there will be no extension of the buyout period. Something about company policy or somesuch. The deadline is 5:30 p.m. CDT.
HR continues to decline to provide numbers of buyout-takers. Mr. Sunbeam's best guess, and it's only a guess, is that the numbers remain well south of 30.
There seems little doubt that the company is prepared to go forward with layoffs if they do not achieve either the head count or financial numbers they feel they need. No timetable is laid out at this point and no terms of severance, but you can bet it won't be pretty.
If you haven't had a meeting today, somehow try to look at an organizational chart before 5:30 p.m.
HR continues to decline to provide numbers of buyout-takers. Mr. Sunbeam's best guess, and it's only a guess, is that the numbers remain well south of 30.
There seems little doubt that the company is prepared to go forward with layoffs if they do not achieve either the head count or financial numbers they feel they need. No timetable is laid out at this point and no terms of severance, but you can bet it won't be pretty.
If you haven't had a meeting today, somehow try to look at an organizational chart before 5:30 p.m.
Decision Day Dawns
There is no sugar-coating it. Today sucks eggs. Anxiety levels are high. Spirits are low. For those who love newspaper journalism, it can't possibly get worse than losing our jobs or our colleagues because of forces none of us on the news side has any control over .
But I digress. These meetings that will be held today with the M.E. are supposed to be informational. If Mr. Sunbeam can be so bold as to suggest something, it would be this: Ask questions. Be respectful but don't be shy. Be journalists.
But I digress. These meetings that will be held today with the M.E. are supposed to be informational. If Mr. Sunbeam can be so bold as to suggest something, it would be this: Ask questions. Be respectful but don't be shy. Be journalists.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ramblings of An Uninformed Man
Mr. Sunbeam knows you want updated numbers. He wishes he had a verified count. All he has is the rumor mill, which isn't exactly buzzing. Nevertheless, he will pass on the following, for which you already have the caveat: the number of buyout-takers is in the low-to-mid 20s. It could be somewhat higher, but still well below the allegedly magic 40 to avoid a layoff.
The Providence Journal, a sister paper of the DMN, has reported to its Newspaper Guild representative that only 16 people had accepted the buyout offer as of Tuesday. That staff has been informed that as many as 54 positions paper-wide must be cut to avoid a layoff.
THIS JUST IN:
As of late Tuesday, departmental meetings are being scheduled for Wednesday to hear a presentation from the managing editor about the "future structure of the newsroom." Business News is scheduled for a 30-minute meeting at 2 p.m. Local News is set for 2:30 p.m. Strangely, considerint the buyout period is SUPPOSED to end at 5:30 p.m., the Universal Desk and News Art are scheduled for meetings at 5:30 and 6 p.m. respectively. People set for the later meetings were told that they were welcome to attend earlier meetings of other departments.
Draw your own conclusions about management's motivation and timing.
Informed sources say a position-by-position flow chart of the newsroom has been drafted. Mr. Sunbeam is not advised how set-in-stone this chart is or whether it is suitable for display to the staff. One might be able to learn numbers of editors, reporters, etc. at the dept. meetings.
Multiple sources in Local News say they have heard that eight editors in that department may be "re-purposed" after the buyout. Mr. Sunbeam does not have names or position titles and would not post them if he did out of individual privacy considerations. But it's a decent bet that the people most likely to be moved have few reporters or column inches to call their own.
Will repositioned people be required to apply for new jobs or just be moved? There are indictations of the latter. But these are questions without official answers at this point.
The Providence Journal, a sister paper of the DMN, has reported to its Newspaper Guild representative that only 16 people had accepted the buyout offer as of Tuesday. That staff has been informed that as many as 54 positions paper-wide must be cut to avoid a layoff.
THIS JUST IN:
As of late Tuesday, departmental meetings are being scheduled for Wednesday to hear a presentation from the managing editor about the "future structure of the newsroom." Business News is scheduled for a 30-minute meeting at 2 p.m. Local News is set for 2:30 p.m. Strangely, considerint the buyout period is SUPPOSED to end at 5:30 p.m., the Universal Desk and News Art are scheduled for meetings at 5:30 and 6 p.m. respectively. People set for the later meetings were told that they were welcome to attend earlier meetings of other departments.
Draw your own conclusions about management's motivation and timing.
Informed sources say a position-by-position flow chart of the newsroom has been drafted. Mr. Sunbeam is not advised how set-in-stone this chart is or whether it is suitable for display to the staff. One might be able to learn numbers of editors, reporters, etc. at the dept. meetings.
Multiple sources in Local News say they have heard that eight editors in that department may be "re-purposed" after the buyout. Mr. Sunbeam does not have names or position titles and would not post them if he did out of individual privacy considerations. But it's a decent bet that the people most likely to be moved have few reporters or column inches to call their own.
Will repositioned people be required to apply for new jobs or just be moved? There are indictations of the latter. But these are questions without official answers at this point.
Friday, August 15, 2008
End of Week One
As the work week ends, there are no new reports of buyout numbers. In fact, the number 16 was continuing to be cited by management types. Given the dearth of information coming in to Mr. Sunbeam from buyout-takers, he cannot confirm any numbers independently. There is some talk of others adding their names to the list, but the number is small. One taker told Mr. Sunbeam that his wife was urging him to rethink his decision. So numbers can also drop.
The buyout period ends at 5:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 20, in case you forgot. No additional time is set aside for rescinding an offer. You're all-in or all-out by Wednesday eve.
Mr. Sunbeam will keep you posted on developments as best he can.
The buyout period ends at 5:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 20, in case you forgot. No additional time is set aside for rescinding an offer. You're all-in or all-out by Wednesday eve.
Mr. Sunbeam will keep you posted on developments as best he can.
A Harsh Reality
Since the likelihood of layoffs appears to be distinct, Mr. Sunbeam would offer the following reminders:
Any severance offered via the layoff route will not be as "generous" as the buyout. The company has not stated what the terms an an "involuntary severance" would be, but four years ago it was one week of pay per year of service up to 15 years and two weeks thereafter up to like 20 to 25 years. The COBRA payment was also less - one month. Given that the buyout offer is not as good as it was in 2006, it wouldnt be out of the realm of possibility for any layoff severance to be less than it was in 2004. And any benefits provided are considered income for tax purposes.
As for unemployment compensation, the amount is low (less than $400 per week), it too is taxable, and payments last a maximum of 26 weeks - provided you jump through the required hoops of documentation on seeking work, etc.
The company has not stated how soon a layoff would occur, but given company statements about wanting to close the books on the buyout in the third quarter of the year (Sept. 30) and how prepared Human Resources was to give out our individualized buyout packets, one can safely assume that plans have been made and a layoff would occur sooner rather than later.
Once again, this is not meant to scare anyone into doing something against your interest. At the same time, consider your own situation carefully before next Wednesday's 5:30 pm deadline.
Any severance offered via the layoff route will not be as "generous" as the buyout. The company has not stated what the terms an an "involuntary severance" would be, but four years ago it was one week of pay per year of service up to 15 years and two weeks thereafter up to like 20 to 25 years. The COBRA payment was also less - one month. Given that the buyout offer is not as good as it was in 2006, it wouldnt be out of the realm of possibility for any layoff severance to be less than it was in 2004. And any benefits provided are considered income for tax purposes.
As for unemployment compensation, the amount is low (less than $400 per week), it too is taxable, and payments last a maximum of 26 weeks - provided you jump through the required hoops of documentation on seeking work, etc.
The company has not stated how soon a layoff would occur, but given company statements about wanting to close the books on the buyout in the third quarter of the year (Sept. 30) and how prepared Human Resources was to give out our individualized buyout packets, one can safely assume that plans have been made and a layoff would occur sooner rather than later.
Once again, this is not meant to scare anyone into doing something against your interest. At the same time, consider your own situation carefully before next Wednesday's 5:30 pm deadline.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Half-Baked Update for Thursday
Mr. Sunbeam has nothing really new to report. No updated numbers have found their way to him from the staff or management. There is also very little chatter in the newsroom. This could reflect a lack of interest in the buyout, or people playing their cards close to their vests.
Of the 16 people reported to have applied, the largest bloc appears to be in Photo. This is followed by Local (aka Metro or State) and News Art. There are no reports at all from Sports, the lifestyle sections or the universal desk, which doesn't mean there aren't takers there.
One longtime staff member usually in step with the mood in her department said her feeling was that people "are going to stick it out until they get fired."
Of the 16 people reported to have applied, the largest bloc appears to be in Photo. This is followed by Local (aka Metro or State) and News Art. There are no reports at all from Sports, the lifestyle sections or the universal desk, which doesn't mean there aren't takers there.
One longtime staff member usually in step with the mood in her department said her feeling was that people "are going to stick it out until they get fired."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
This Job Posting Comes with a Disclaimer
Mr. Sunbeam does not necessarily endorse this vein of journalism, but.....
http://jobs.copyeditor.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=502&jb=4649707
http://jobs.copyeditor.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=502&jb=4649707
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Potentially Useful Seminar Next Week
The Network of Hispanic Communicators DFW Chapter is hosting a job training seminar next Tuesday evening, Aug. 19, at KERA, 3000 Harry Hines Blvd., entitled "Journalism in a Fast-Changing Environment." It will feature two sessions: the first on resume-writing tips and job interviewing; the second is a panel discussion with journalists who have transitioned into the online world. (This includes former DMNers Catherine Cuellar and Ed Bark.) The fun starts at 6:15 p.m. The cost is $15 unless you are a member of the host group. Then it's $10.
To RSVP, email Gary Pina (formerly of the FW Star-Telegram) at garyp329@gmail.com
To RSVP, email Gary Pina (formerly of the FW Star-Telegram) at garyp329@gmail.com
Tuesday Update
Reliable sources now put the number of buyout takers at 16. Sorry, no details available. No one chose to notify Mr. Sunbeam of their decision, as is their absolute right. News Management is supposed to be getting daily updates from HR, but they have chosen not to share.
More on Wednesday, if any information is made available.
P.S. Reports from Advertising also report small numbers of takers - fewer than 10.
More on Wednesday, if any information is made available.
P.S. Reports from Advertising also report small numbers of takers - fewer than 10.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Fun Job Posting of The Day
http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/jobs.cfm/Communications?supcat=166#19922
If you have other fun-sounding jobs, email them to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com
Who knows what silliness may bring.
If you have other fun-sounding jobs, email them to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com
Who knows what silliness may bring.
Early Numbers
As of 10 p.m. Monday, only three news staffers notified Mr. Sunbeam that they had decided to take the buyout offer. David McLemore of the San Antonio bureau agreed to be named. The second was a suburban reporter and the third a photographer who will go unnamed unless authorization is given. He was told by others of four additional confirmed takers.
There are no official numbers from management today. You already know that there was some confusion over when people could officially file their acceptance. Apparently, the confusion was confined to a small group, and I don't know that any were newroom staff.
Mr. Sunbeam's COMPLETELY UNOFFICIAL head count - those folks he has heard are saying they plan to take the buyout - amounts to about a dozen total news staffers. These are reporters, editors, photographers and artists. Contrary to the hype, Mr. Sunbeam does not know all and wouldn't believe it if he did. There are eight more days after all.
Once again, if people want to share information, send an email to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com Mr. Sunbeam is at your mercy insofar as counting heads. Help him help you.
There are no official numbers from management today. You already know that there was some confusion over when people could officially file their acceptance. Apparently, the confusion was confined to a small group, and I don't know that any were newroom staff.
Mr. Sunbeam's COMPLETELY UNOFFICIAL head count - those folks he has heard are saying they plan to take the buyout - amounts to about a dozen total news staffers. These are reporters, editors, photographers and artists. Contrary to the hype, Mr. Sunbeam does not know all and wouldn't believe it if he did. There are eight more days after all.
Once again, if people want to share information, send an email to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com Mr. Sunbeam is at your mercy insofar as counting heads. Help him help you.
A Little More Info on H1-B Visas
A colleague more in the know about immigration issues reports the following:
H-1B holders who lose their jobs (voluntarily or otherwise) have 30 days after leaving their employer to find another employer willing to take them on and file the small mountain of paperwork that the government requires. Otherwise, one could be considered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be "out of status" and subject to deportation.
Ex-H-1B holders who fall out of status don't seem to be ICE's top priority, but who knows.
Belo had an immigration attorney put together the original H-1B paperwork for folks in Al Dia who needed that assistance to be able to work in the U.S. That attorney was Harry J. Joe, now with the Winstead law firm in Dallas. While Mr. Joe still handles immigration matters for the company, the relationship ends when a staffer departs the paper.
Mr. Sunbeam is advised that The DMN will probably hand an immigration folder to anyone who departs the company. I'd doublecheck with Human Resources about this.
An outside attorney who might help is Liz Cedillo-Pereira. Her number is 214-981-9442. You will have to check with her to determine any potential charges for her consultation.
This is from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and gives some detail on switching employers, or what happens when you reach the end of your six-year status as an H-1B holder. In general, you need to switch status, or depart.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/H1B_FY04_Characteristics.pdf
H-1B holders who lose their jobs (voluntarily or otherwise) have 30 days after leaving their employer to find another employer willing to take them on and file the small mountain of paperwork that the government requires. Otherwise, one could be considered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be "out of status" and subject to deportation.
Ex-H-1B holders who fall out of status don't seem to be ICE's top priority, but who knows.
Belo had an immigration attorney put together the original H-1B paperwork for folks in Al Dia who needed that assistance to be able to work in the U.S. That attorney was Harry J. Joe, now with the Winstead law firm in Dallas. While Mr. Joe still handles immigration matters for the company, the relationship ends when a staffer departs the paper.
Mr. Sunbeam is advised that The DMN will probably hand an immigration folder to anyone who departs the company. I'd doublecheck with Human Resources about this.
An outside attorney who might help is Liz Cedillo-Pereira. Her number is 214-981-9442. You will have to check with her to determine any potential charges for her consultation.
This is from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and gives some detail on switching employers, or what happens when you reach the end of your six-year status as an H-1B holder. In general, you need to switch status, or depart.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/H1B_FY04_Characteristics.pdf
Getting The Word Out
A piece of advice put out by a former DMNer: Having potential employers know you are available can work to your advantage. This blog has an audience outside the building as well. People in the blogosphere have made postings in the past and may do so again.
Mr. Sunbeam is extremely sensitive to protecting people's privacy in this environment. He has no intention of posting anyone's name without their express permission. He also knows that people can and do change their minds about putting in for the buyout and does not want to cause any embarrassment to those who do have a change of heart before the deadline passes.
Unless persuaded to do otherwise, Mr. Sunbeam will hold to his plan to post only numbers, not names, until after the buyout period ends on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Mr. Sunbeam is extremely sensitive to protecting people's privacy in this environment. He has no intention of posting anyone's name without their express permission. He also knows that people can and do change their minds about putting in for the buyout and does not want to cause any embarrassment to those who do have a change of heart before the deadline passes.
Unless persuaded to do otherwise, Mr. Sunbeam will hold to his plan to post only numbers, not names, until after the buyout period ends on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Please Note If You Put In for The Buyout Overnight
The buyout period did not officially open until 8:30 a.m. Monday morning. Apparently, some people sent in their application right after midnight. Nothing counts until 8:30. If you put in before the official start time, you need to file another notification.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Being One's Own Best Friend
As the buyout decision period begins Monday morning, it occurs to Mr. Sunbeam, aka Master of The Obvious, that no one knows better than each of us what we want and need to do regarding our future career path. Input from others can be helpful, and reviewing our financial status is smart, but it really comes down to a simple gut check.
A suggestion: Put aside the HR pamphlets and management pronouncements and have a heart to heart with yourself. Have confidence in your decision and don't second guess it.
No matter what, the sun's gonna rise tomorrow.
P.S. Mr. Sunbeam will post numbers on buyout applicants if he can obtain them. If you want your name known, send an email to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com
A suggestion: Put aside the HR pamphlets and management pronouncements and have a heart to heart with yourself. Have confidence in your decision and don't second guess it.
No matter what, the sun's gonna rise tomorrow.
P.S. Mr. Sunbeam will post numbers on buyout applicants if he can obtain them. If you want your name known, send an email to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com
Friday, August 8, 2008
Info From The Texas Workforce Commission
Here's a link to the Texas Workforce Commission's FAQs on unemployment compensation. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/claimant1.html#qualify
More Advice From Joe Grimm
Those who read the Romenesko blog may know this already, but Joe Grimm, recruiting honcho of the Detroit Free Press, is taking a buyout. Joe, you may recall, is the guy who usually gives advice to others on how to deal with buyouts. He offers more words of wisdom via the following link:
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=148346
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=148346
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Labor Law and Buyout Waiting Periods
Some may recall that in the 2006 buyout questions were raised about whether the company was complying with federal age discrimination laws that required employers to provide a 45-day waiting period for potential takers to consider their options. DMN management did not provide a waiting period of that length, saying it did not need to do so so long as people were not required as a condition of receiving the buyout to waive their rights to pursue claims of age discrimination. This time around, the waiting period is once again far less than 45 days.
Here is what you need to know: If you take the buyout, you will be told by HR you must sign a release of certain legal rights. Because the company chose to not set aside 45 days to let people consider it's buyout offer, it cannot legally enforce a waiver of rights granted workers under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 - specifically a provision added by Congress in 1989 entitled the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. You retain your rights to sue under the ADEA even if you take the buyout and sign the waiver the company will require to get your payout. This protection applies to anyone age 40 or older.
If you are so inclined, here is a link to the law: http://www.eeoc.gov/abouteeoc/35th/thelaw/owbpa.html
You might also want to consult an expert in labor law for more info. Mr. Sunbeam has no formal legal training is not licensed to practice anything that requires wearing a suit.
No aspersions are being cast on the company's motives or actions. It's only information.
Here is what you need to know: If you take the buyout, you will be told by HR you must sign a release of certain legal rights. Because the company chose to not set aside 45 days to let people consider it's buyout offer, it cannot legally enforce a waiver of rights granted workers under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 - specifically a provision added by Congress in 1989 entitled the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. You retain your rights to sue under the ADEA even if you take the buyout and sign the waiver the company will require to get your payout. This protection applies to anyone age 40 or older.
If you are so inclined, here is a link to the law: http://www.eeoc.gov/abouteeoc/35th/thelaw/owbpa.html
You might also want to consult an expert in labor law for more info. Mr. Sunbeam has no formal legal training is not licensed to practice anything that requires wearing a suit.
No aspersions are being cast on the company's motives or actions. It's only information.
A Reminder And One More Thing to Check
First, be sure to check your buyout offer to make sure it reflects any pay raise given this year. Managers have reported problems with people given raises in the past six months.
Secondly, if you were on part-time status before going full-time, check to make sure that you are getting credit for this in your buyout, which is calculated on years of service. This added five extra years to one reporter's offer.
Secondly, if you were on part-time status before going full-time, check to make sure that you are getting credit for this in your buyout, which is calculated on years of service. This added five extra years to one reporter's offer.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
If You Are Keeping Score
This buyout marks the fifth time since 1998 that the company has initiated a reduction in force.
In 1998, it was a buyout that was offered only to workers of a certain age and experience level. The number of people who accepted was small, perhaps around 20.
In 2001, if memory serves, there was a layoff of about 25 newsroom staffers.
We all recall the layoff of 2004, where 65 newsroom staffers lost their jobs.
Two years ago, about 110 staff members opted to leave.
All in all, more than 200 people have departed via the buyout/layoff route.
Thanks to attrition, today's newsroom of 395 souls was 450 after the buyout in 2006.
Sorry if this a downer. Mr. Sunbeam thought you might to read the writing on the wall.
In 1998, it was a buyout that was offered only to workers of a certain age and experience level. The number of people who accepted was small, perhaps around 20.
In 2001, if memory serves, there was a layoff of about 25 newsroom staffers.
We all recall the layoff of 2004, where 65 newsroom staffers lost their jobs.
Two years ago, about 110 staff members opted to leave.
All in all, more than 200 people have departed via the buyout/layoff route.
Thanks to attrition, today's newsroom of 395 souls was 450 after the buyout in 2006.
Sorry if this a downer. Mr. Sunbeam thought you might to read the writing on the wall.
The Terms of "Involuntary Severance"
Again, management has been mum on specifics. But rest assured, the terms for anyone who is laid off are not likely to be the same as the buyout. Compensation for years of service would likely be calculated differently, and the lump sum payment for COBRA insurance could be far smaller than six months worth.
The upside, if you are a glass-half-full type, is that anyone who is laid off would almost certainly receive some measure of unemployment compensation. The company would also have to compensate you for any unused vacation time. Minus taxes, of course.
The upside, if you are a glass-half-full type, is that anyone who is laid off would almost certainly receive some measure of unemployment compensation. The company would also have to compensate you for any unused vacation time. Minus taxes, of course.
Some Old Advice That Still Seems Valid
The following is an excerpt from a posting Mr. Sunbeam put together during the DMN's 2006 buyout. It seems worth repeating.
With the usual caveat about listening to financial advice from journalism school graduates:
A couple of people have mentioned that if those taking the buyout currently have a payroll deduction for a DMN subscription, that deduction may carry over to your severance check. Some folks laid off in 2004 said they were tapped for a year-long subscription amount. Perhaps it would be a good idea to review all current discretionary payroll deductions before Sept. (12).
Also on that front, those who have Flexible Spending Accounts (or FSAs) for day care or health care should check with Belo Benefits or reliable outside sources to confirm whether you must spend the total amount in your account before leaving the DMN.
For those unfamiliar with COBRA, you have 60 days (or until Nov. 12) after you leave the DMN to sign up. The benefits run for up to 18 months - even though the DMN is paying you for only 6 months. COBRA runs about $950 a month for a family policy and about $400 a month for an individual policy. You can also pay an additional premium for dental coverage. For more info on COBRA check out www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html The Carter Financial Management folks emphasized at the seminar Thursday that you should NOT go without health insurance coverage, even for a month. One of the Carter advisors said he was in a serious car accident while in between jobs and would have been crushed financially without COBRA coverage. You can purchase short-term health insurance at group rates through a professional association like the Society of Professional Journalists or a college alumni organization. Both the Texas A&M and University of Texas ex-student associations, for example, offer this option to their members.
One more thing that was also mentioned during the 2006 buyout:
You might want to consider having any elective medical procedures between now and Sept. 12 while you remain on the Belo insurance plan.
With the usual caveat about listening to financial advice from journalism school graduates:
A couple of people have mentioned that if those taking the buyout currently have a payroll deduction for a DMN subscription, that deduction may carry over to your severance check. Some folks laid off in 2004 said they were tapped for a year-long subscription amount. Perhaps it would be a good idea to review all current discretionary payroll deductions before Sept. (12).
Also on that front, those who have Flexible Spending Accounts (or FSAs) for day care or health care should check with Belo Benefits or reliable outside sources to confirm whether you must spend the total amount in your account before leaving the DMN.
For those unfamiliar with COBRA, you have 60 days (or until Nov. 12) after you leave the DMN to sign up. The benefits run for up to 18 months - even though the DMN is paying you for only 6 months. COBRA runs about $950 a month for a family policy and about $400 a month for an individual policy. You can also pay an additional premium for dental coverage. For more info on COBRA check out www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html The Carter Financial Management folks emphasized at the seminar Thursday that you should NOT go without health insurance coverage, even for a month. One of the Carter advisors said he was in a serious car accident while in between jobs and would have been crushed financially without COBRA coverage. You can purchase short-term health insurance at group rates through a professional association like the Society of Professional Journalists or a college alumni organization. Both the Texas A&M and University of Texas ex-student associations, for example, offer this option to their members.
One more thing that was also mentioned during the 2006 buyout:
You might want to consider having any elective medical procedures between now and Sept. 12 while you remain on the Belo insurance plan.
The Head Count
Next Monday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m. CDT, the buyout period begins. It runs until 5:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 20. There is no additional time to opt in or rescind one's offer.
The staff is not going to be told by management how many people have asked to take the buyout, although managers will be advised regularly on those numbers throughout the buyout period. Managers must approve all buyout offers, and that process will take more time. Written notices of acceptance are supposed to go out between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.
While the precise head count goal for the buyouts at the DMN remains somewhat fuzzy, managers have placed that number at about 40 people. If management does not get - or approve - that number of volunteers, the threat of layoffs looms for the staff. The company has not stated when layoffs would occur - if it comes to that - but it has notified its shareholders that it intends to write off all of the costs of the buyout by Sept. 30.
Mr. Sunbeam will do what he can to track how many people have asked for a buyout before the deadline passes on Aug. 20. He will be depending on those who have made submissions to advise him of their decision. You may send them to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com. In the interest of privacy, no one's name will be posted without their permission. And the danger of posting regular counts of buyout-takers is that people can and do change their minds. This happened a lot during the 2006 buyout. Nonetheless, if Mr. Sunbeam has numbers, he will share them.
If talk in the DMN newsroom is any indication, the interest in seeking buyouts seems slight. So far, only one person near retirement age has told Mr. Sunbeam that he will accept an offer. Of course, it's all talk until 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 20. No one knew during the buyout two years ago whether a much larger target number to avoid a layoff would be met. But that offer was more generous, and the economy - especially for journalists who wanted to remain journalists - was stronger. That said, we should all go into the decision-making period aware that more change is coming.
The staff is not going to be told by management how many people have asked to take the buyout, although managers will be advised regularly on those numbers throughout the buyout period. Managers must approve all buyout offers, and that process will take more time. Written notices of acceptance are supposed to go out between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5.
While the precise head count goal for the buyouts at the DMN remains somewhat fuzzy, managers have placed that number at about 40 people. If management does not get - or approve - that number of volunteers, the threat of layoffs looms for the staff. The company has not stated when layoffs would occur - if it comes to that - but it has notified its shareholders that it intends to write off all of the costs of the buyout by Sept. 30.
Mr. Sunbeam will do what he can to track how many people have asked for a buyout before the deadline passes on Aug. 20. He will be depending on those who have made submissions to advise him of their decision. You may send them to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com. In the interest of privacy, no one's name will be posted without their permission. And the danger of posting regular counts of buyout-takers is that people can and do change their minds. This happened a lot during the 2006 buyout. Nonetheless, if Mr. Sunbeam has numbers, he will share them.
If talk in the DMN newsroom is any indication, the interest in seeking buyouts seems slight. So far, only one person near retirement age has told Mr. Sunbeam that he will accept an offer. Of course, it's all talk until 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 20. No one knew during the buyout two years ago whether a much larger target number to avoid a layoff would be met. But that offer was more generous, and the economy - especially for journalists who wanted to remain journalists - was stronger. That said, we should all go into the decision-making period aware that more change is coming.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
What If My Position Is Eliminated?
Warning: Mr. Sunbeam has no direct information on this subject. What follows is either a restatement of history or pointing out the obvious.
It is a given that some positions are going to be eliminated because of reductions in space, reconfiguration of sections and the loss of 40 staff members through buyouts or layoffs.
In the past, management has told the staff that those people who remain would have jobs but not necessarily the same job. It is also true that in the past some jobs that became vacant because of buyouts/layoffs were posted to be filled by someone else. Management has not been specific about its plans this time, but hints are that the past may apply to the future.
Management will have to review who departs (voluntarily or otherwise) and decide which positions remain or disappear. Management - and HR - will also decide whether to move remaining staff from one position to another with or without an application process.
Bottom line: Chances are good that there will be a job at the DMN for everyone who remains after the buyout/layoff. How much say remaining staff members have in the nature of their job remains to be seen. And it could be several weeks, at least, before the situation is settled.
One further moment from recent history: In the aftermath of the CueCat's demise, newsroom people who worked on that project found they were employees of Belo Interactive, not the DMN. When their CueCat positions were eliminated, they had to apply for other jobs within Belo. If you are in that position now - not working for The DMN proper but wanting to find a spot at The DMN - you may have no choice but to apply for positions that become open at the newspaper. And you may find yourself competing with people who already work for the DMN.
It is a given that some positions are going to be eliminated because of reductions in space, reconfiguration of sections and the loss of 40 staff members through buyouts or layoffs.
In the past, management has told the staff that those people who remain would have jobs but not necessarily the same job. It is also true that in the past some jobs that became vacant because of buyouts/layoffs were posted to be filled by someone else. Management has not been specific about its plans this time, but hints are that the past may apply to the future.
Management will have to review who departs (voluntarily or otherwise) and decide which positions remain or disappear. Management - and HR - will also decide whether to move remaining staff from one position to another with or without an application process.
Bottom line: Chances are good that there will be a job at the DMN for everyone who remains after the buyout/layoff. How much say remaining staff members have in the nature of their job remains to be seen. And it could be several weeks, at least, before the situation is settled.
One further moment from recent history: In the aftermath of the CueCat's demise, newsroom people who worked on that project found they were employees of Belo Interactive, not the DMN. When their CueCat positions were eliminated, they had to apply for other jobs within Belo. If you are in that position now - not working for The DMN proper but wanting to find a spot at The DMN - you may have no choice but to apply for positions that become open at the newspaper. And you may find yourself competing with people who already work for the DMN.
Work Visas
How does the buyout/layoff affect employees who work for the DMN by virtue of having received an H-1b work visa? For some staffers, this is at the top of their gotta-know list. Generally speaking, if you are in the U.S. on such a visa, your status is tied to your employer, who applied for the visa on your behalf. If there is a change in your employment, it could definitely affect your ability to remain in the U.S.
Mr. Sunbeam is no immigration law specialist, but such experts do exist. Those who need to know might think about contacting an immigration lawyer. There are also groups like the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Washington, which can perhaps provide assistance. Their website is www.ailalawyer.com.
Then there is the old fallback of contacting the consulate or embassy of your home country.
Here is a U.S. government site that includes materials on visa issues:
www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Mr. Sunbeam is no immigration law specialist, but such experts do exist. Those who need to know might think about contacting an immigration lawyer. There are also groups like the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Washington, which can perhaps provide assistance. Their website is www.ailalawyer.com.
Then there is the old fallback of contacting the consulate or embassy of your home country.
Here is a U.S. government site that includes materials on visa issues:
www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
What is COBRA?
COBRA is an acronym for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a 1986 law passed by Congress to provide continued health insurance coverage for people who find themselves without coverage through their workplace. Anyone who takes the DMN buyout without having another job to go to immediately qualifies for COBRA. The company is going to compensate each buyout-taker for up to six months of COBRA as part of your package (less taxes).
Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Labor that will describe COBRA more in depth:
www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTMl
Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Labor that will describe COBRA more in depth:
www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTMl
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Newsroom of the Future
What will the newsroom look like after the buyout? With so many unknowns, how can one make an educated guess about where he or she might stand after the dust settles?
Here are a few of the knowns:
1) The news staff is going to shrink. The number being cited is about 40 staffers will be gone.
2) Some sections - particularly those produced by the feature/arts/lifestyles departments - are going to be dropped or combined. The Lifestyles copy desk will be merged into the Universal Desk. Two Metro zoned editions will go away and the remainder will be published less often.
3) There is going to be a reduction in news space - up to 25 percent for some sections. Less space means less need for graphics and photographs, the bosses say.
4) The current ratio of reporters to editors is about half the size what management wants to see. If previous layoffs/buyouts are an indication, that ratio could shrink even smaller after the current buyouts. Some editors are likely be asked to assume new duties.
5) Quick will be published weekly rather than five days per week.
6) Al Dia is expanding its circulation three-fold.
7) Briefing, which publishes five days a week, is set to launch in late August. While it has a temporary editing staff, who stays on permanently has yet to be determined.
Make no mistake, every staffer will be affected by what's to come. Among the questions for each of us are how much is our job likely to change, and how willing are we to accept that change?
Here are a few of the knowns:
1) The news staff is going to shrink. The number being cited is about 40 staffers will be gone.
2) Some sections - particularly those produced by the feature/arts/lifestyles departments - are going to be dropped or combined. The Lifestyles copy desk will be merged into the Universal Desk. Two Metro zoned editions will go away and the remainder will be published less often.
3) There is going to be a reduction in news space - up to 25 percent for some sections. Less space means less need for graphics and photographs, the bosses say.
4) The current ratio of reporters to editors is about half the size what management wants to see. If previous layoffs/buyouts are an indication, that ratio could shrink even smaller after the current buyouts. Some editors are likely be asked to assume new duties.
5) Quick will be published weekly rather than five days per week.
6) Al Dia is expanding its circulation three-fold.
7) Briefing, which publishes five days a week, is set to launch in late August. While it has a temporary editing staff, who stays on permanently has yet to be determined.
Make no mistake, every staffer will be affected by what's to come. Among the questions for each of us are how much is our job likely to change, and how willing are we to accept that change?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
JUST TO BE CLEAR
It is neither Mr. Sunbeam's place nor intention to tell anyone what course to take regarding the buyout. This is a highly personal decision. The aim of this blog is to provide relevant information to help people make the choice they believe is right for them. The goal is to empower, not demoralize. No matter what, there is a lot of life left to be lived - even prosperously so.
Compensation for Unused Vacation Time
The company has stated it will compensate anyone who receives the buyout for any unused vacation time. This, too, is taxable. The IRS has been known to look at unused vacation pay as supplemental income, which is taxed at a higher rate than straight compensation. Even if the company withholds 25 percent, there could be an additional tax bill.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Other Writings on Buyouts and Journalism
What follows are links to a couple of articles written for the Poynter website in 2008 and 2006 by the inappropriately named Joe Grimm, recruiting guru for the Detroit Free Press. There is also a link to information supplied by financial advisors for Carter Financial Services and a summary of remarks on surviving buyouts/layoffs made to the Fort Worth chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists by a couple of former DMN staff members. Mr. Sunbeam wishes to thank ex-DMNer Gayle Reaves for her help.
FROM JOE GRIMM:
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=77&aid=139178
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=110636
PROMO OF CARTER FINANCIAL SERVICES APPEARANCE:
http://www.jenster.com/dmnbuyoutsession.htm
FROM SPJ SEMINAR:
http://www.jenster.com/layoffreport08.htm
http://www.jenster.com/layofftips08.htm
FROM JOE GRIMM:
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=77&aid=139178
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=110636
PROMO OF CARTER FINANCIAL SERVICES APPEARANCE:
http://www.jenster.com/dmnbuyoutsession.htm
FROM SPJ SEMINAR:
http://www.jenster.com/layoffreport08.htm
http://www.jenster.com/layofftips08.htm
Your Help Is Solicited
Mr. Sunbeam could use your assistance. Since he does not have a monopoly on ideas for relevant discussion topics, he would like to gather some. If you have a suggestion for something related to the buyout you would like to know more about, please send an email to mr.sunbeam@gmail.com Mr. Sunbeam will do his best to comply with those things are within his ability to address. Thanks.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Checking Things Twice
Now that everyone has their buyout package, be sure to doublecheck the numbers. If you have already received your pay raise for the year, make sure it's reflected in your offer. There have been problems in the past with things slipping between the cracks. If there is a problem, you should get in touch with Human Resources as soon as possible.
And while numbers are being tossed around, keep in mind that even with the company withholding 25 percent of your total (salary and medical benefits) payout, receiving considerably more than your one year's wages in one year can push you into a higher tax bracket. There is also the matter of Social Security taxes to be considered.
One more thing: The company has said it will not oppose efforts by anyone who takes the buyout to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. The Texas Workforce Commission may or may not be swayed by the DMN's assent. Unemployment benefits, by the way, amount to a post-tax net of $283 per week for 26 weeks. That's a total of $7358.
And while numbers are being tossed around, keep in mind that even with the company withholding 25 percent of your total (salary and medical benefits) payout, receiving considerably more than your one year's wages in one year can push you into a higher tax bracket. There is also the matter of Social Security taxes to be considered.
One more thing: The company has said it will not oppose efforts by anyone who takes the buyout to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. The Texas Workforce Commission may or may not be swayed by the DMN's assent. Unemployment benefits, by the way, amount to a post-tax net of $283 per week for 26 weeks. That's a total of $7358.
A Word or Two About Verticals
Some of you, like Mr. Sunbeam, may be doing some head-scratching over what the talk about "verticals" really means. This is dangerous turf for business school dropouts like Mr. Sunbeam. But after chatting with more knowledgeable folks, here are a few tidbits to chew on:
* Verticals are niche products that more closely package editorial content with advertising. Journalists write stories about subjects that can be marketed to advertisers attracted to those topics. Cars or real estate. for example. While the product is led by a general manager (and ultimately answers to Jim Moroney), there is a "dotted line" relationship with top newsroom managers. Reporters would still be supervised by editors. This is supposed to NOT be advertorial . Nor is it a traditional stucture with a high wall between news and advertising.
* F!D Luxe, the DMN's once-a-month glossy fashion section, is cited as a model for what a vertical might look like. It is inserted into the newspaper, but it is also available as a giveaway in certain targeted areas. There is also a web component.
* Management has said there will be at least two pilot projects launched this year. One will be entertainment-oriented. The other is likely to be High School Game Time, for which they are already seeking a general manager. It will be a strictly online product.
The idea, of course, is to make make money where the paper is not making enough money now.
* Verticals are niche products that more closely package editorial content with advertising. Journalists write stories about subjects that can be marketed to advertisers attracted to those topics. Cars or real estate. for example. While the product is led by a general manager (and ultimately answers to Jim Moroney), there is a "dotted line" relationship with top newsroom managers. Reporters would still be supervised by editors. This is supposed to NOT be advertorial . Nor is it a traditional stucture with a high wall between news and advertising.
* F!D Luxe, the DMN's once-a-month glossy fashion section, is cited as a model for what a vertical might look like. It is inserted into the newspaper, but it is also available as a giveaway in certain targeted areas. There is also a web component.
* Management has said there will be at least two pilot projects launched this year. One will be entertainment-oriented. The other is likely to be High School Game Time, for which they are already seeking a general manager. It will be a strictly online product.
The idea, of course, is to make make money where the paper is not making enough money now.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Selected Jobs of Former Colleagues
A request has been made for information about former DMN staff members who left the paper as the result of either the 2006 buyout or 2004 layoff. A complete listing would be time-consuming and damn near impossible. But here's a sample, just to give a flavor of the variety of employment people have found:
1) Former TV writer Ed Bark, as many undoubtedly know, runs the well-regarded and oft-cited blog site, unclebarky.com
2) Former books writer Jerome Weeks is an arts reporter for KERA-FM. He works alongside another DMN alum, former music editor Anne Bothwell.
3) Former Metro reporter and raconteur Tim J. Wyatt is the official spokesman for Collin County government in McKinney.
4) Former Metro Deputy Managing Editor Dwayne Bray heads the investigative unit of ESPN in Bristol, Conn. He recently hired former Metro reporter Paula Lavigne to do computer assisted reporting for his unit.
5) Dotty Griffith, the longtime DMN restaurant critic, recently joined the American Civil Liberties Union in Austin as director of public education. She is working for Terri Burke, a former AME over the feature sections at the DMN.
6) Pete Slover, former Metro and Austin bureau reporter, is special counsel to State Comptroller Susan Combs and director of the agency's criminal investigations unit.
7) Former Metro reporter Bill Lodge recently started a job as federal courts reporter for The Advocate in Baton Rouge. He had previously worked as a journalism professor and advisor to the student newspaper at North Lake College in Irving.
8) Former Lifestyles reporter Michael Precker, as has been well-reported, is the day manager and spokesman for The Lodge, a gentleman's club in Dallas.
9) Mike Peters, whose last DMN job was as an assistant foreign editor, just started as editor of First Alaskans, a magazine for a chain of newspapers in Alaska. He is based in Anchorage.
10) Former Metro and Today columnist Larry Powell runs http://www.readlarrypowell.com/ , a blog about pet matters. He also writes a column for Urban Animal magazine. (This gratuitous reference will no doubt force Mr. Powell to surface and toss barbed insults.)
11) Former Books Editor Charles Ealy is an assistant business editor with the Austin American-Statesman. And, yes, he made it the Cannes Film Festival again this year.
12) Kathy Lewis, former deputy Washington bureau chief, is chief spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute. Working with Kathy is fellow D.C. bureau alum, Robert Dodge.
13) Allen Pusey, longtime Dallas and D.C. bureau reporter, is managing editor of the American Bar Association Journal in Chicago.
14) Michael Weiss, former assistant national editor, assistant state editor and assistant business editor for the DMN , is an editor with Bloomberg News in New York.
15) Arnold Hamilton, former Oklahoma bureau reporter, is the editor and co-owner of the Oklahoma Observer, a venerable political weekly newspaper in Oklahoma City.
16) Esther Wu, former Metro columnist, is director of community relations for the Trammel and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.
17) Pam Maples, former Projects editor, is managing editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
18) Former Arts Editor Rick Holter is a supervising senior editor for the weekend version of NPR's All Things Considered in Washington. His wife, former SportsDay special projects editor Shawna Seed, has completed one novel and is writing a second.
19) Former Metro reporter Kristine Hughes recently joined former Metro reporters Tony Hartzel and Holly Becka as public involvement representatives for HNTB Corp., an architectural and engineering firm involved in building several large local highway projects.
20) Laura Beil, former medical writer, is freelancing for among others, The New York Times. She also contributes regularly to Science News, a D.C.-based magazine edited by her former DMN boss, Tom Siegfried.
21) Former Metro and Lifestyles reporter Aline McKenzie is one of several DMN Metro Desk alums who now work for UT Southwestern's news and publications office. Others include Kristen Holland Shear, LaKisha Ladson, Connie Piloto, Russell Rian, Katherine Morales and Patrick Wascovich. Business News alum Lin Lofley is also working there.
22) Former SportsDay columnist Kevin Blackistone holds the Shirley Povich Chair in Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland. He also contributes to ESPN and AOL Sports.
23) Vernon Smith, former assistant foreign editor, has worked as a consultant to news organizations in Jordan and Mexico.
24) Former DMN photo honcho Robert Hart, whose last gig with Belo was as head of online content for Belo Interactive, is director of operations for Noofangle Media, a provider of web-based content for radio and TV stations co-founded by DMN-ex Tom Kessler.
25) G. Robert Hillman, former editor and reporter in the D.C. bureau, is an editor with Politico.com, a well-regarded provider of political content in Washington.
And there are so many more.
1) Former TV writer Ed Bark, as many undoubtedly know, runs the well-regarded and oft-cited blog site, unclebarky.com
2) Former books writer Jerome Weeks is an arts reporter for KERA-FM. He works alongside another DMN alum, former music editor Anne Bothwell.
3) Former Metro reporter and raconteur Tim J. Wyatt is the official spokesman for Collin County government in McKinney.
4) Former Metro Deputy Managing Editor Dwayne Bray heads the investigative unit of ESPN in Bristol, Conn. He recently hired former Metro reporter Paula Lavigne to do computer assisted reporting for his unit.
5) Dotty Griffith, the longtime DMN restaurant critic, recently joined the American Civil Liberties Union in Austin as director of public education. She is working for Terri Burke, a former AME over the feature sections at the DMN.
6) Pete Slover, former Metro and Austin bureau reporter, is special counsel to State Comptroller Susan Combs and director of the agency's criminal investigations unit.
7) Former Metro reporter Bill Lodge recently started a job as federal courts reporter for The Advocate in Baton Rouge. He had previously worked as a journalism professor and advisor to the student newspaper at North Lake College in Irving.
8) Former Lifestyles reporter Michael Precker, as has been well-reported, is the day manager and spokesman for The Lodge, a gentleman's club in Dallas.
9) Mike Peters, whose last DMN job was as an assistant foreign editor, just started as editor of First Alaskans, a magazine for a chain of newspapers in Alaska. He is based in Anchorage.
10) Former Metro and Today columnist Larry Powell runs http://www.readlarrypowell.com/ , a blog about pet matters. He also writes a column for Urban Animal magazine. (This gratuitous reference will no doubt force Mr. Powell to surface and toss barbed insults.)
11) Former Books Editor Charles Ealy is an assistant business editor with the Austin American-Statesman. And, yes, he made it the Cannes Film Festival again this year.
12) Kathy Lewis, former deputy Washington bureau chief, is chief spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute. Working with Kathy is fellow D.C. bureau alum, Robert Dodge.
13) Allen Pusey, longtime Dallas and D.C. bureau reporter, is managing editor of the American Bar Association Journal in Chicago.
14) Michael Weiss, former assistant national editor, assistant state editor and assistant business editor for the DMN , is an editor with Bloomberg News in New York.
15) Arnold Hamilton, former Oklahoma bureau reporter, is the editor and co-owner of the Oklahoma Observer, a venerable political weekly newspaper in Oklahoma City.
16) Esther Wu, former Metro columnist, is director of community relations for the Trammel and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.
17) Pam Maples, former Projects editor, is managing editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
18) Former Arts Editor Rick Holter is a supervising senior editor for the weekend version of NPR's All Things Considered in Washington. His wife, former SportsDay special projects editor Shawna Seed, has completed one novel and is writing a second.
19) Former Metro reporter Kristine Hughes recently joined former Metro reporters Tony Hartzel and Holly Becka as public involvement representatives for HNTB Corp., an architectural and engineering firm involved in building several large local highway projects.
20) Laura Beil, former medical writer, is freelancing for among others, The New York Times. She also contributes regularly to Science News, a D.C.-based magazine edited by her former DMN boss, Tom Siegfried.
21) Former Metro and Lifestyles reporter Aline McKenzie is one of several DMN Metro Desk alums who now work for UT Southwestern's news and publications office. Others include Kristen Holland Shear, LaKisha Ladson, Connie Piloto, Russell Rian, Katherine Morales and Patrick Wascovich. Business News alum Lin Lofley is also working there.
22) Former SportsDay columnist Kevin Blackistone holds the Shirley Povich Chair in Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland. He also contributes to ESPN and AOL Sports.
23) Vernon Smith, former assistant foreign editor, has worked as a consultant to news organizations in Jordan and Mexico.
24) Former DMN photo honcho Robert Hart, whose last gig with Belo was as head of online content for Belo Interactive, is director of operations for Noofangle Media, a provider of web-based content for radio and TV stations co-founded by DMN-ex Tom Kessler.
25) G. Robert Hillman, former editor and reporter in the D.C. bureau, is an editor with Politico.com, a well-regarded provider of political content in Washington.
And there are so many more.
Life After The DMN
In case you're wondering whether you possess job skills the outside world might be interested in, the answer is an emphatic yes from many alumni of the paper. This is not to minimize the difficulty of transitioning from a career many journalists consider a calling. Job searches can be an interminable, ego-draining drag. But it should be recognized that the core skills journalists possess - writing, interviewing, researching - are still valued by employers. You might be surprised how impressed people are at the ability to compose clear, grammatically correct sentences not laden with misspellings. And some of these employers pay pretty well.
Our former DMN colleague, Doug Bedell, advises that we stop whining that we don't know what else to do with ourselves and get busy pursuing opportunities that play to our skill sets. Doug left the paper in 2004 after a highly distinguished reporting career. He now works as a communications jack-of-all-trades at Haynes and Boone, a large Dallas law firm. True, he has to wear a suit to work, but he gets a paycheck to cover the cost. And he loves his work.
Doug says he is available for inspirational counseling and/or butt-kicking sessions.
Our former DMN colleague, Doug Bedell, advises that we stop whining that we don't know what else to do with ourselves and get busy pursuing opportunities that play to our skill sets. Doug left the paper in 2004 after a highly distinguished reporting career. He now works as a communications jack-of-all-trades at Haynes and Boone, a large Dallas law firm. True, he has to wear a suit to work, but he gets a paycheck to cover the cost. And he loves his work.
Doug says he is available for inspirational counseling and/or butt-kicking sessions.
Job Listings
For those interested in perusing some current job listings, you can visit www.jenster.com/joblist.htm This is Jennifer LaFleur's work. She says it will be updated later today. Another local site worth a view is operated by the University of North Texas. The link is http://web3.unt.edu/journalism/find_jobs1.php A third one is www.indeed.com. It combines a bunch of different job search sites into one omnibus one.
Happy hunting.
Happy hunting.
For Those in the Old G.B. Dealey Pension Plan
There are a couple of things worth noting for those who are vested in the pension plan. (Those who have joined the DMN in the last several years have only a 401k plan.):
1) When Belo divided earlier this year, staff members aged 55 and above who work at A.H. Belo, the newspaper company, got the benefit of being able to draw on their pension while continuing their employment. The reason for this is that the pension plan is administered by Belo Corp., a now separate company. Our brethren at WFAA, who remain part of Belo, do not share in this opportunity because they remain employed by the company that runs the pension plan. Of course, it is up to each individual to decide whether it makes sense to tap the pension fund at this point. Taking a payout prior to age 65 carries costs. You might check with an accountant if you have one. Perhaps Mr. Sunbeam can supply further information down the road.
2) As a more financially savvy colleague noted, those who stayed with the old pension plan are scheduled to receive an additional cash infusion IF they remain employed by the DMN until the end of March 2009. This contribution can amount to several thousand dollars per person. This is assuming that the company doesn't change its mind about continuing these payouts.
CORRECTION: Mr. Sunbeam has learned that in order to qualify for another infusion of cash for those vested in the old pension plan, a staffer must be employed at the DMN as of Dec. 31, 2008, not March 31, 2009.
One more thing to consider when crunching the numbers.
1) When Belo divided earlier this year, staff members aged 55 and above who work at A.H. Belo, the newspaper company, got the benefit of being able to draw on their pension while continuing their employment. The reason for this is that the pension plan is administered by Belo Corp., a now separate company. Our brethren at WFAA, who remain part of Belo, do not share in this opportunity because they remain employed by the company that runs the pension plan. Of course, it is up to each individual to decide whether it makes sense to tap the pension fund at this point. Taking a payout prior to age 65 carries costs. You might check with an accountant if you have one. Perhaps Mr. Sunbeam can supply further information down the road.
2) As a more financially savvy colleague noted, those who stayed with the old pension plan are scheduled to receive an additional cash infusion IF they remain employed by the DMN until the end of March 2009. This contribution can amount to several thousand dollars per person. This is assuming that the company doesn't change its mind about continuing these payouts.
CORRECTION: Mr. Sunbeam has learned that in order to qualify for another infusion of cash for those vested in the old pension plan, a staffer must be employed at the DMN as of Dec. 31, 2008, not March 31, 2009.
One more thing to consider when crunching the numbers.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Quick Rundown of Plan
Because there already seems to be confusion about the company's buyout offer, Mr. Sunbeam will offer a few details supplied by top newsroom managers:
1) Every full-time staff member who is eligible to take the buyout is supposed to receive a packet on Tuesday, July 29, that provides individualized payout information. Your supervisor is supposed to pick this up from Human Resources and deliver it to you.
2) The offer is 1.5 weeks of pay for each year of service up to 15 years. Anyone who has more than 15 years of service is eligible for an additional 2.5 weeks of pay per year. No one, regardless of length of service, can receive more than a total of 40 weeks of pay. In 2006, the maximum was 52 weeks of pay. If my rudimentary math skills hold, this means no staff member with more than 22 years of service can receive additional pay for their extra years. Non-contiguous years of service - unlike in 2006 - will not factor in your payout. No one eiligible for the buyout can receive less than two weeks of severance pay.
3) The medical benefits (to pay for COBRA insurance) offer is a maximum of six months. The maximum offer in 2006 was one year.
4) The buyout amount and the medical benefits for each staff member will be paid in a lump sum - minus 25 percent wittheld for income taxes.
5) The buyout period runs from August 11 through August 20. During this period, one can opt in or rescind a request. There is no additional time to rescind. The company will decide which buyout requests are accepted. The plan is to complete that process by August 25. Most of those who take the buyout will stay on the job until Sept. 12. Some people may be asked to stay longer because of the particular job they perform.
6) Jim Moroney stated in his email on Monday that the goal is to reduce the newsroom staff of the DMN (excluding Quick, Al Dia and Dallasnews.com) to 350. At present, the DMN newsroom staff numbers approximately 390. That translates into 40 jobs that need to be cut to avoid possible layoffs. Staff members who have announced prior to Monday that they are leaving the paper have already been counted in the 390.
If I have misstated or miscalculated any of this, I'm sure someone will correct me.
1) Every full-time staff member who is eligible to take the buyout is supposed to receive a packet on Tuesday, July 29, that provides individualized payout information. Your supervisor is supposed to pick this up from Human Resources and deliver it to you.
2) The offer is 1.5 weeks of pay for each year of service up to 15 years. Anyone who has more than 15 years of service is eligible for an additional 2.5 weeks of pay per year. No one, regardless of length of service, can receive more than a total of 40 weeks of pay. In 2006, the maximum was 52 weeks of pay. If my rudimentary math skills hold, this means no staff member with more than 22 years of service can receive additional pay for their extra years. Non-contiguous years of service - unlike in 2006 - will not factor in your payout. No one eiligible for the buyout can receive less than two weeks of severance pay.
3) The medical benefits (to pay for COBRA insurance) offer is a maximum of six months. The maximum offer in 2006 was one year.
4) The buyout amount and the medical benefits for each staff member will be paid in a lump sum - minus 25 percent wittheld for income taxes.
5) The buyout period runs from August 11 through August 20. During this period, one can opt in or rescind a request. There is no additional time to rescind. The company will decide which buyout requests are accepted. The plan is to complete that process by August 25. Most of those who take the buyout will stay on the job until Sept. 12. Some people may be asked to stay longer because of the particular job they perform.
6) Jim Moroney stated in his email on Monday that the goal is to reduce the newsroom staff of the DMN (excluding Quick, Al Dia and Dallasnews.com) to 350. At present, the DMN newsroom staff numbers approximately 390. That translates into 40 jobs that need to be cut to avoid possible layoffs. Staff members who have announced prior to Monday that they are leaving the paper have already been counted in the 390.
If I have misstated or miscalculated any of this, I'm sure someone will correct me.
Day One
For those of you too new or addled to remember 2006, a blog was created to provide information to the staff regarding the company's buyout offer. The idea was to help supplement the information provided by the company and give some tips on how to decide whether the buyout was a good fit for each staff member individually. This will again be the aim of the blog.
For those who want to vent, this won't be the forum for you. In order to remain operational, the discourse on the blog needs to be kept on a professional level.
Mr. Sunbeam, your host, is not a spokesperson for or representative of anyone. He has no agenda other than to help out good people during a difficult time.
There will be no further messages posted through the DMN email system. You will have to check here for new postings. The email address is mr. sunbeam@gmail.com
That is all for now.
For those who want to vent, this won't be the forum for you. In order to remain operational, the discourse on the blog needs to be kept on a professional level.
Mr. Sunbeam, your host, is not a spokesperson for or representative of anyone. He has no agenda other than to help out good people during a difficult time.
There will be no further messages posted through the DMN email system. You will have to check here for new postings. The email address is mr. sunbeam@gmail.com
That is all for now.
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