Scripps Caught, Pants Down Posted on September 30, 2024 at 11:20:05 AM by FTVLIVE
Just hours after FTVLive posted the story saying that Scripps was going to shut down Scripps News, Scripps CEO Adam Symson rushed out a memo to the staff to confirm what FTVLive FIRST reported.
Here's the thing: FTVLive first heard a couple of weeks ago that Scripps was going to do away with Scripps News. Finding a second source to confirm the story took us a while.
We were able to do that last Thursday and posted the story at 1 AM Friday.
What we do wonder.....if FTVLive had not reported the story, when would Scripps tell people that hundreds would be out of work?
Most people want to know with as much lead time as possible that they are losing their job. This gives them a chance to put off large purchases they might have planned. It also gives them a chance to look for a job while they still have a job. The suits want to try and keep things hush-hush, even if it screws over the people losing their jobs.
I'm happy that FTVLIve forced Scripps's hand because it gives those impacted more time to prepare.
There is a reason we earn people as far off as we can that a hurricane is coming. Media companies should do the same with their employees.
In a follow-up memo to the staff, Scripps Senior VP Dean Littleton writes, "Please be considerate of what our Scripps News colleagues are going through. We will be encouraging them to apply to open positions in local media and will be doing everything we can to help them find new roles."
If you're being considerate to the staff, you should have told them the minute you knew you were going to cut them.
Littleton also writes, "This announcement does not change our mission or commitment to high quality journalism. "
Bullshit!
Of course, it changes. You are cutting hundreds of Journalists from the payroll. That is a big impact and a big change.
Here's his full memo, obtained by FTVLive: Replies: