Grapevine: Two Newspapers To Join Forces?

There's word on the grapevine today that a major announcement involving two large newspapers in the state is forthcoming as a result of a huge drop in advertising revenues and resultant personnel cuts.

The Tulsa World recently laid off 28 employees, 26 of them reporters. The Oklahoman last fall cut an estimated 150 employees.

Publications and television and radio stations that rely on advertising dollars have been hit hard by economic conditions. Clear Channel Radio in Oklahoma City today cut at least six employees, providing severance packages, in a company-wide effort to trim $400 million in expenses nationwide. Two Tulsa television stations recently announced reductions-in-force due to diminished ad revenue.

Multiple sources say the newspapers involved have reached agreement on sharing newsroom resources. The deal also apparently involves the reassignment of some reporters.

Developing....

Share |