Tennessean takes further cost-cutting steps

Furloughs imposed once more and doubled for high-salary employees; salary freeze in place for next 12 months

Email | Print By E. Thomas Wood

Employees of The Tennessean got word today that they will be taking unpaid time off again in the second quarter of the year, with some taking twice as much as they did in the first quarter.

The cost-cutting moves include one-week furloughs for most employees, but those making more than $90,000 a year will be required to take two weeks off without pay. The newspaper also imposed a one-year freeze on wages and salaries.

Gannett Co., parent of The Tennessean, instituted similar measures throughout its newspaper network today, according to a blog that tracks corporate activity at the nation's largest news chain.

The notification comes the day after Tennessean editor Mark Silverman told readers in a column that the paper continues to turn a profit.

In December, as Gannett chopped more than 2,000 positions nationally, The Tennessean cut more than 90 jobs. Among those departing were 25 members of the newsroom staff.