• by Ray Schultz , December 10, 2024

Carpenter Media Group laid off several employees in Oregon last week as it reportedly seeks to reduce its profile in the area. 

The affected staff members include Tim Doran, copyeditor of the Bend Bulletin and Mike McInally, editor of the Wallowa county Chieftain and at least one reporter, two photographers and a news clerk at the Bulletin and five employees at the Rogue Valley Times, according to Oregon Public Broadcast (OPB). 

However, the layoffs have drawn a union protest. 

“Carpenter cannot legally implement the layoff of unionized employees until they bargain with the Guild,” Central Oregon NewsGuild President Morgan Owen told OPB. “This is the second time in six months employees at the Bulletin have faced layoffs.”

Carpenter, based in Mississippi, recently put its has placed the headquarters for the Astorian and Blue Mountain Eagle up for sale, OPB continues.