Star trims workforce
The Ventura County Star, the largest daily newspaper in the Tri-Counties, will eliminate 44 positions, its president and publisher, George Cogswell III, said in a story published by the Star on Nov. 6.
Cogswell said that though most departments will feel the cuts, the number of news reporters will hold steady, according to the published report. He said the newspaper streamlined itself to counteract declining advertising revenue.
With about 83,100 in paid weekday circulation, the Star is the region’s largest daily newspaper.
E.W. Scripps Co. owns the Star and announced two other rounds of cuts Nov. 6.
The Scripps Southwest Florida Group said it will cut 34 positions, about 10 percent of its workforce. Also in Florida, the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers said it plans to eliminate 38 jobs, about 8 percent of its workforce.
E.W. Scripps Co.’s stock closed down 13 percent, from $4.77 to $4.13, after news of the Florida cuts. Shares have plunged 59 percent since a year ago, when they traded at $10.
