Media General shrinks, transforms D.C. bureau
November 19, 2007 at 4:55 pm by Wayne GarciaThe parent company of the Tampa Tribune says it will downsize two positions out of its Washington operation and change its structure. Gone will be longtime national correspondent Gil Klein and MG’s military affairs reporter, James Crawley, who was set to serve as president of the national Military Reporters and Editors group. (Given the Bush administration’s openness on military intel and national security, I guess you can do without a crack military journalist.)
E&P reports that details aren’t set but the reorganization will see the four remaining positions converted to — repeat after me — multimedia journalists. Grab those video cameras on the way out the door, scribes. The changes seemed to have even those who are staying at a loss for answers:
Under the reorganization, [bureau chief Marsha] Mercer will remain, along with national correspondent Sean Mussenden and Tampa Tribune reporter Billy House. Two more “multimedia” reporters and a web producer will be added, Mercer said.
“I don’t know really where we are going, it hasn’t really been spelled out,” said House. “I am not sure I have all of the answers.”
Media General’s print division, and especially the Trib, has been taking it in the shorts in the revenue department, as I’ve outlined on several occasions. Dropping revenues were blamed earlier this year for the company laying off 70 employees in Tampa.
