• by Ray Schultz , September 29, 2024

Lee Enterprises reduced editorial staff in at least three locations last week, apparently in a cost-cutting move. 

It has cut 10 jobs at The Buffalo News, five through layoffs or buyouts, and five through elimination of vacant posts, according to Investigative Post. The newsroom had 55 employees, down from 200 at its peak, Investigative Post writes.

In addition, six staffers were laid off at St. Louis Post-Dispatch, according to St. Louis Business Journal.  

And two sportswriters, David Teel and Mike Barber, were laid off from Richmond Times-Dispatch, Augusta Free-Press reports. 

Earlier this month, the firm reportedly laid off Rob Chaney, managing editor of Missoulian in Montana, depriving that title of years of experience. Two other staffers departed voluntarily. 

Some of the reports speculate that Lee Enterprises is suffering from financial challenges.

In August, Lee reported Q3 operating revenue $150.5 million, down from $171.3 million in the same period last year. In addition, the firm sustained a net loss of $3.7 million, compared to net income of $2.1 million in the same period last year.

But total digital revenue increased to $76 million. The company said it has 748,000 digital subscribers, a 23% increase YoY.