Gannett Company, publisher of The Daily Advertiser, Times of Acadiana, Quik Quarter and four other daily newspapers in Louisiana, announced this week further consolidation as it struggles, like publishers of dailies around the country, with declining revenue. In an internal memo obtained by the INDsider, Gannett’s South Group Vice President Leslie Hurst, who is also publisher of The Advertiser, informed employees that printing of The Town Talk (Alexandria’s daily) and its related products will be moved to the Lafayette press on Bertrand Street beginning in late October. A source tells the INDsider the consolidation is creating more than three dozen lay-offs, most of them apparently in Alexandria.
According to Hurst, “This change will mean a reduction in force, and I know that it affects people’s lives. Please be assured that this decision was not made lightly, but is the result of a great deal of thought and research to ensure that we are making the best decision for both operations. Alexandria’s production staff members will be eligible to fill any vacancies that may arise in Lafayette, and those who do not will receive a transitional-pay package.”
The memo also indicates that the increased printing load at the Lafayette press will necessitate changes in the times when each newspaper goes to press. These changes will undoubtedly affect deadlines for reporters and editors. An INDsider source who is a former Gannett employee familiar with company operations speculates that the changes in press times and deadlines is likely to have an affect on the newspapers’ coverage: “Forget about any sports that end after 8 p.m. — no way it’ll get put into the earlier editions.” A former Gannett editor predicts the deadline changes will also affect election returns and council meetings that go late into the night.
... written by Patricia , September 18, 2009 - 10:56 am
What a pitty !!!
... written by Maynard , September 18, 2009 - 01:48 pm
Yes, a pity for the people being laid off and their families, and also a pity that someone would spell the word 'pitty'.
... written by slinger , September 18, 2009 - 03:42 pm
This is going to be a disaster. They already have trouble printing what they have now.
... written by pickamoondog , September 18, 2009 - 04:16 pm
As it stands now, the Lafayette press handles at least the Advertiser, the Opelousas Daily World, the Times, the Quik Quarter, all those pointless periodicals and any free weekly zoned editions.
The World was going to press at around 5 p.m. in the glory days of 2005, when the Advertiser had its own production staff and the World had its own facility. I can't imagine the World going to press any earlier than noon now. Why even keep it going at this point?
... written by get real , September 19, 2009 - 06:26 am
Walter has no idea what he's talking about in terms of deadlines. Typical lousy reporting with one fact and the rest mindless rumor mongering. Get a life.
... written by The Oracle of Gueydan , September 19, 2009 - 10:47 am
Newspapers are dead. Do one last issue, the obit issue, and call it a day.
... written by Walter Pierce, Managing Editor , September 19, 2009 - 07:03 pm
Thank you kindly, "get real." How dare I presume that working at a DAILY newspaper for 6.5 years would give me any insight into deadlines? Now, if you'll excuse, I have a life to get.
... written by Peacesign09 , September 21, 2009 - 11:25 pm
If you don't know what your talking about then shut the hell up please! Why does the Independent hate the Advertiser so much? The Advertiser has human beings that work hard and do there best at what they do. What is the difference between you two? Stop the hate!! There is so much hate and anger in this world. When is it all going to stop? Showing hate, spreads hate. If everyone would show some kindness, a smile at a stranger, helping someone in need. We need to focus on turning things around and that starts with our own actions. "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mother Teresa
... written by kelmoe , October 07, 2009 - 05:45 pm
Since October 1st I have not gotten the town talk before 7:45. I guess they are having a problem getting it together. I will stop getting it if it continues. Too bad was a good paper before Gannett took over.
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