• by Ray Schultz , Yesterday

The Richmond Times-Dispatch, a Lee Enterprises publication, is laying off up to five reporters, according to The Richmonder.  

Employees have received emails stating the layoffs will take effect on September 25. 

The Times-Dispatch also reported a decline in digital subscribers for the second consecutive year, The Richmonder reports.

As per union protections, the paper is first looking for volunteers. If none come forward, it will then proceed. 

The layoff will leave the newsroom with less than 10 reporters, The Richmonder adds.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia) observed: “This is a tough blow for Richmond and part of an ongoing tragedy across the country — the continuous destruction of local media. Local press does invaluable work holding power to account and keeping folks informed. We must continue to support our remaining and incredible local journalists.”

While it may not have anything to do with this layoff, Lee boasted of its cost controls in its Q3 financials. 

“By rigorously managing our operating expenses and continuing to grow our digital business, we are driving sustainable improvements in profitability,” said Kevin Mowbray, president and chief executive officer of Lee Enterprises. 

Lee achieved “meaningful reductions in print-related expenses and corporate overhead, while reinvesting in high-growth digital areas” during the quarter, Mowbray added.