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Tribune, Its Partners Eliminating 250 Jobs

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By MICHAEL SASSO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 12, 2008

TAMPA - An estimated 250 to 260 jobs are being eliminated as part of a reduction in force by the Florida Communications Group, which oversees The Tampa Tribune, WFLA, Channel 8, and other local media properties, group President John Schueler said Wednesday.

Of the cuts, about 200 have already taken place or are pending the completion of the company's voluntary buyout program, Schueler said.

Florida Communications Group is an operating entity of Richmond, Va.-based Media General. Aside from the Tribune and WFLA, the group oversees properties including TBO.com, Centro Grupo de Comunicación and several smaller newspapers in Florida.

Like other media companies, Media General has been affected by a slowdown in Florida's economy and a drop-off in advertising revenue. It is cutting positions to account for the reduced revenue.

The Florida Communications Group first announced pending job reductions in April, when it notified employees that it would offer voluntary buyouts to 650 of its 1,326 full-time employees.

On Wednesday, Schueler said about 120 positions were cut earlier this year or last year through attrition or involuntary layoffs. An additional 21 positions were eliminated Tuesday in advertising operations.

Also, as of Wednesday, 54 people are expected to leave the company under the voluntary buyout program, although a few more may be expected to accept a buyout.

Schueler estimated that an additional 50 to 60 positions would need to be eliminated through buyouts or involuntary layoffs.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865 or msasso@tampatrib.com.

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