www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20081203/NEWS01/812 -
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Published on: 12/3/2008
Last Visited: 12/3/2008
"We are not the only one," said Michael McCullough, the Enquirer's executive editor and general manager.
"What's happening this week in Battle Creek is happening all over the company."
Decline in local revenue and circulation also was a major factor in the decision to cut staff and consolidate operations, McCullough said.
"These cuts have been personally very tough.
We have an amazing, dedicated staff and these were very, very difficult decisions," he said.
McCullough said though the press consolidation and loss of jobs will take a toll on the morale of the Enquirer staff and management, readers should notice little change in the product.
McCullough also said he does not anticipate any changes in delivery time or in the amount of local news coverage.
"The desk consolidation will be primarily design- and production-oriented, and the major copy-editing functions will remain in Battle Creek," McCullough said.
...
"A lot of people have asked me over the past year if we were closing the paper because of rumors that the printing press is closing, but that's far from the truth," McCullough said.
"It's a long way from saying that.
...
With half the staff remaining in the building, McCullough said the Enquirer will consider moving to a smaller office, as costs to heat and maintain the downtown facility on Van Buren Street are high.
McCullough said the loss of the press and local jobs is significant, but that a changing industry, coupled with tough financial times, makes it nearly impossible to hold on to all the physical elements that make up the Battle Creek Enquirer.
"The thrill, the power of the print printing press starting up, I am going to miss that," McCullough said.