Reality Sinks In

On February 15, The New York Times ran an article in its business section explaining that it must finally give in to economic pressures and eliminate 100 jobs in the newsroom.

I always knew the Times was a major news institution, but I don't think I was aware of how large it really was. There are 1,332 newsroom employees at the Times, which is both the largest number in the industry and the largest number in Times history. Despite overwhelming economic pressures in the newspaper industry, they have actually managed to increase the number of people on staff in the newsroom. It was pointed out, however, that the overall number of employees at The New York Times Company is approximately 3.8 percent lower than it was a year ago. And even after the cuts, the Times will still have about 300 more people in the newsroom than any other American paper.

It is discouraging to hear that an institution as recognized and revered as the Times is also facing
hardships. (It's not hard to understand when you read that the stock price of the Times Company has dropped by more than $33 per share.) Nevertheless, I think there are aspects of this situation that can give members of the media some hope.

The Times Company, despite being responsible to its shareholders, is dedicated to the news above all else. Until this year, they have managed to increase the newsroom staff by eliminating "nonnews" positions and cutting at other locations (though this is less than pleasing to readers of The Globe). Beyond that, the paper has maintained its $200 million newsroom budget and refused to reduce its coverage of the war in Iraq.

The other positive aspect of the situation is that Bill Keller, the executive editor, willingly admits that the cuts will have an impact on the quality of the paper:

To meet our budget goals, we will have to do a little less, and every time we do less, we cede a bit of advantage. Our challenge will be to set our priorities in such a way that we do less in the areas that damage our competitiveness least.

Far to often in recent years, editorial staffs and business managers have insisted that business will continue as usual, despite budget cuts and staff reductions. Perhaps if Keller can admit the reality of the situation, other members of the media will do so as well.

The first step in resolving a situation is admitting you have a problem, so thank you to Bill Keller for being so honest in your assessment of the situation.