Detroit’s two major daily newspapers, in the face of industry-wide financial difficulties and a troubled state economy, are offering buyouts to employees and shared business staff in a bid to cut at least 150 positions.
Buyouts will be offered to non-union employees of The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press as well as workers at their joint business operation.
“The Detroit Media Partnership faces unique challenges because of the state’s business and economic climate,” Free Press publisher Dave Hunke, who also serves as chief executive of the partnership, said in a note to employees. “We must take several actions immediately.”
In addition to the buyouts, the Free Press plans to eliminate its Twist magazine, which is distributed on weekends, and its Sunday Community Free Press sections. Elements from Twist will be folded into the Sunday features section.
Detroit Media Partnership manages the business operations of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, including production, advertising and circulation, but the papers’ newsroom operations are separate.
The Free Press is owned by Gannett Co., based in McLean, Va. The News is owned by MediaNews Group, based in Denver.
