by Joe Snyder
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A whole bunch of newspaper staffs in America today are struggling with their emotions as they are being offered early retirement offers which will put extra money in their bank account and then move on. Hard times, or the word "Recession" is inflicting wounds in newspapers all across the country. Even the Austin American Statesman newspaper in Austin, one of the daily newspapers I read, is offering an "early retirement" package to its employees.
Far less spending for advertising has inflicted wounds on newspapers just as many other businesses have suffered declines in recent months. As spending declines, so must costs. The buy-out allows newspapers to shrink to a size better suited to tougher times while rewarding their most senior employees – a better alternative than the forced layoffs that have become all too common in today’s economy.
At The American Statesman, 71 people are retiring with their average service to the newspaper at 24 years. Reporter Bob Banta from the newsroom leaves with the most tenure at 44 years. What memories he must have. In the newsroom 12 people took the buyout. Ben Sargent, the Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, left two weeks ago as did his wife, TV critic Diane Holloway. Other departures are expected soon.
This newspaper’s staff is a wonderful crew. Several of the staff began their newspaper careers in the era of "hot type" when reporters worked with manual typewriters and their copy ended up in the hands of Linotype operators who ran loud clanking machines the size of a church organ that turned molten lead into type.
Beyond using new tools on new platforms, though, their departing comrades leave a more profound legacy. During the 30 or so years that most of them practiced journalism, the profession developed new standards of independence, accuracy, precision and ethical conduct. They demonstrated purpose, passion, intelligence and devotion to public service. The qualities they embody remain as the foundation on which the newspaper will base their business no matter how they deliver news and valued information.
In time they will anoint a TV critic to succeed the ones now active and the cartoonist’s wit and wisdom will continue to appear week after week. They will make other adjustments designed to maintain steadfast and honored commitment to offering the best package of news and information about the community, our country and the world.
Newspapers today face serious and powerful challenges from a host of smart competitors, but that’s hardly new news. Radio and television rose from hardly nothing to become formidable foes, just as Internet-based businesses have done. A lot of us had to figure out how to stay in business then and they’ll do it again. As they refine – even reinvent – the news business, those still pounding away, radio and television plus the newspaper industry, will keep trying hard to boost and strengthen "the written word." I’m proud of the passion and courage of all those news folks who managed to assist a wonderful industry and help America develop into the greatest, the most progressive and people-oriented society in all history.
God bless America!