The Denver Post issued what could only be described as a cry for help on Friday, publishing an editorial pleading with its hedge fund owners to support the iconic city paper. The piece also informed readers of impending layoffs.
“At The Denver Post on Monday, more than two dozen reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, page designers, digital producers and opinion staff will walk out the door. Our marching orders are to cut a full 30 by the start of July,” read the editorial titled, “As Vultures Circle the Denver Post Must be Saved.”
“These heartbreaking instructions raise the question: Does this cut, which follows so many in recent years that our ranks have shriveled from more than 250 to fewer than 100 today, represent the beginning of the end for the Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire?” the editorial asks.
The paper is owned by Alden Global Capital, hedge fund specializing in distressed assets. Only last month, the paper announced that they would have to part ways with 30 employees.
In a staff meeting, the @DenverPost editor just told us that we are cutting 30 positions in the newsroom.
There are some sobs in the room.
— Jon Murray (@JonMurray) March 14, 2018
The paper’s editorial came with a haunting image of past and present employees, denoting former staffers in black silhouette.
On Friday, the paper was dragged online for publishing an image of Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park — which they misidentified as the hometown Coors Field. In a tweeted statement, the paper chalked it up to a “production error” — though it’s hard not to suspect staff reductions may have played a part.
Due to a production error, an image of Citizens Bank Park ran in place of Coors Field on the cover of today's Life & Culture section. Please enjoy this beautiful image of Coors Field photographed yesterday. The Denver Post sincerely regrets the error. pic.twitter.com/0bwW2snOLb
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) April 6, 2018