The New York Times is denying a report that the paper is preparing to lay off hundreds of staffers.
The New York Post reported over the weekend that Times chairman and publisher Arthur “Pinch” Sulzberger Jr.’s team is planning a massive cut in staff by year’s end and has been talking with some of the Times’ unions to come to a deal, hoping to provide reduced severance.
Though the paper has not ruled out more downsizing in the newsroom, a source close to the situation told TheWrap that the Post report was wildly inaccurate and rejected the idea that layoffs would be as extensive as the Post suggested.
The source did not address whether there had been discussions with unions about future severance packages.
Like many newspaper publishers, the Times has been hit hard by declining print circulation and ad revenue as well as increased costs in moving to digital operations.
The paper on Thursday announced a $50 million investment to fund the creation of a new team called NYT Global, which aims to expand the newspaper to “multiple international markets in several major languages.”
Back in February, executive editor Dean Baquet sent a lengthy memo to his staff that addressed the way the Times’ newsroom “is experimenting and adapting as we move into our digital future.”
Baquet has told NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik that the Post’s story is “totally made up,” though Baquet did not deny that there may be additional cuts in the newsroom staff.
Folkenflik said layoff rumors have “whipped around newsroom” but the “size and nature of cuts should become clearer closer to end of the year.”
1/NYPost today reported NYT preparing to layoff a few hundred staffers – but senior newsroom editors & business side execs pushed back today
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
2/NYT exec editor Dean Baquet tells me “That [story] is totally made up” – though he concedes he has said newsroom will have to shrink.
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
2a/ Baquet calls Post’s article “cheap guess work.”
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
5/NYPost suggested layoffs would be between late summer & election day. Several people w newsroom roles say unlikely until after elex
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
6/ Several senior NYT figures also question the size of the cuts suggested. In the absence of hard info, rumors have whipped around newsroom
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
7/ Much may depend on video & new revenues plays (T Brand Studios?) Currently 1300+ newsroom employees though distinctions often amorphous
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016
8/I'm told size and nature of cuts should become clearer closer to end of the year. (Always possible NYP’s account vindicated by then.)
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) April 24, 2016