S.F. Chronicle refugees needed

We were saddened to learn late last week that the San Francisco Chronicle again is pursuing another round of staff reductions, seeking to eliminate 125 jobs through buyouts.

Carl Hall, the eternal curmudgeon (we love you, Carl!) at the Northern California Media Workers Guild, told SF Weekly that "It looks like the end for print journalism." We’re not so sure about that. It is true that the advertising market has tanked with the advent of Craigslist and Monster. It’s also true that for national and international news, there are a surfeit of online alternatives to the newspaper. But we continue to believe that there’s a hunger out there for quality, timely and accurate news about the local community. We also believe that many people are willing to pay for a printed product because it is more portable, affordable and easy on the eye than any existing digital medium.

The Public Press is actively seeking volunteers to help us shape the editorial agenda for a new news service in San Francisco focused on public policy, social trends and consumer education. If you’re an experienced journalist who wants to be part of a conversation about creating something new, instead of dismantling something old, we’d love to have your help.

Apparently, under the terms of the buyouts at the Chronicle, staffers get at least four weeks’ pay — and two weeks’ pay for every year of service. We’d love those journalists to consider working with us on a volunteer basis during the transition time. Right now we can’t afford to pay. But we hope to have a budget for staff within the next 12 months. In the meantime, get involved in our brainstorming and skill sharing! E-mail us: volunteer (AT) public-press (DOT) org.

 

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