The Memo

I was all set to blog about something else, when The Memo came along. So I'll post if for those who haven't read it. I got it from Romenesko, but thanks to all who sent me copies.

Topic: Memos Sent to Romenesko
Date/Time: 7/18/2008 12:25:08 PM
Title: Orlando Sentinel editors address newsroom cuts
Posted By: Jim Romenesko

Orlando Sentinel's top editors address newsroom cuts

From: Hall, Charlotte
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 12:17 PM
To: OSC DL Editorial
Subject: UpdateTo All

This has been a tough week for all of us. We have lost valued colleagues and talented journalists. We want to update you on the terminations. As we told you two weeks ago, about 20 percent of positions in the newsroom would be eliminated. Seven of those positions are currently vacant. The open positions and people who asked for the severance package will make up about 70 percent of the job eliminations. Sixteen staff members were terminated this week, with 10 of them seeking the package. As you know, we have another round of cuts coming at the end of the month, and numbers can change up to the last minute. At that time, we will do a news story when the process is complete. We do not release the names of those leaving the Sentinel. That has been our longstanding company policy and is grounded in respect for the privacy of those terminated employees. Unfortunately, Lisa Jacobsen’s comments to E&P were taken out of context and, therefore, did not reflect the situation accurately.Thanks for your commitment to producing compelling journalism. If you have any questions, please ask one of us.

Charlotte and Russ