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Updated: Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 |
NABJ Addresses Chicago Sun-Times Newsroom Cuts
As the print media climate continues to change and subsequently impact our members, NABJ is committed to serving as a loud voice to ensure that diversity is practiced and promoted.
To that end, last week and throughout this weekend's board meeting, NABJ Vice President Ernie Suggs and Region IV Director Leisa Richardson, were in constant contact with our members in Chicago, regarding news of buyouts and subsequent layoffs.
On Friday, January 18th, letters voicing our concerns and expectations as an organization and signed by Suggs, Richardson and NABJ President Barbara Ciara, were sent to both the editor of the Sun-Times and the Union leadership.
NABJ-Chicago, has also been working on the front lines. They also hand-delivered letters to both parties and are monitoring the situation. NABJ will remain active as this situation progresses. Several of our members are in danger of losing their jobs and it remains our roll to protect and preserve diversity.
Here are copies of the two letters.
Letter to the Chicago Sun-Times
January 18, 2008
Michael Cooke
Editor-in-Chief
Chicago Sun-Times
350 N. Orleans St., 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60654
Mr. Cooke,
This has no doubt been a stressful week at The Chicago Sun-Times.
With the changing climate of the print media and increased attention to the bottom line, unfortunately, newsroom cutbacks aren't surprising. But that doesn't make it easier when the reality of losing jobs sets in.
We want to initially thank you for your continued efforts to fight for newsroom diversity. It is encouraging to see and hear that diversity is important to you and the Sun-Times.
Under the current plan, and depending on how the buyouts go, the Sun-Times runs the risk of losing several quality black journalists - whose only fault is that they were hired later than other, perhaps less qualified, journalists.
It is our hope that the Guild reconsiders these rules and the Sun-Times continues to press the issue. We must all be in the business of protecting the jobs of minority employees at the Sun-Times.
Thank you,
Barbara Ciara, NABJ President
Ernie Suggs, NABJ Vice President Print
Leisa Richardson Region IV Director
Letter to the Chicago Newspaper Guild
January 18, 2008
Gerald Minkkinen
Executive Director
Chicago Newspaper Guild
36 S. Wabash Avenue, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60603
Mr. Minkkinen,
This has no doubt been a stressful week for the Chicago Sun-Times Guild. With the changing climate of the print media and increased attention to the bottom line, unfortunately, cutbacks in the newsroom aren't surprising.
Todays impending buyouts and ensuing layoffs will be tough on everybody. The National Association of Black Journalists has been closely monitoring the situation and will continue to watch to see how this impacts our members.
Our main concern is about diversity. Under the current contract, which recognizes seniority, the paper runs the risk of losing several quality minority journalists, who just happened to be among the last staffers hired.
Chicago has a significant minority population, moreover, the Sun-Times has a more than 50 percent penetration rate among black readers. The newsroom staff should be reflective of those readers - something the Guild should champion.
Additionally, minority numbers actually had improved and to go backwards would be devastating.
If the seniority rule is followed, the Sun-Times is at risk of not having any black reporters on the city desk or the copy desk. Black reporters also will be noticeably absent in the business department.
It is our hope that the Guild reconsiders the seniority rules and agrees to open conversations about protecting the jobs of minority employees at the Sun-Times.
NABJ is available to discuss the issue and representatives are willing to travel Chicago for meetings.
Thank you,
Barbara Ciara, NABJ President
Ernie Suggs, NABJ Vice President Print
Leisa Richardson Region IV Director
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