Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

Buyouts at the Sun-Times shrink the newsroom — and the dream - Poynter

Mar 20, 2025 - poynter.org
The Poynter Report discusses several key media industry developments. The Chicago Sun-Times is undergoing significant staff reductions, shedding 23 newsroom employees, which is over 20% of its staff, due to financial difficulties. Despite a merger with Chicago Public Media and substantial donations, the Sun-Times faces a "fiscal cliff" as launch grants expire in 2026. The cuts are expected to save $4.2 million but may diminish the paper's appeal due to the departure of high-profile journalists. Meanwhile, Gannett has appointed a new CFO, Trisha Gosser, with a substantial compensation package, amidst ongoing layoffs and operational reductions since its acquisition by GateHouse Media in 2019.

Additionally, the Italian newspaper Il Foglio's experiment with AI-generated content is criticized for inaccuracies and lack of transparency. The AI-generated articles and images have been noted for errors and lack of engaging writing. The report also touches on President Donald Trump's criticism of Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich and ESPN's Jimmy Pitaro addressing rumors about his interest in the Disney CEO position. The newsletter concludes with media tidbits and resources for journalists, including upcoming Poynter programs and training opportunities.

Key takeaways:

  • The Chicago Sun-Times is reducing its newsroom staff by more than 20% through buyouts, affecting some of its most well-known journalists.
  • Gannett has appointed a new CFO, Trisha Gosser, with a compensation package totaling $2 million, while her predecessor's severance could reach $2.5 million.
  • Il Foglio, an Italian newspaper, is experimenting with AI-generated content, but the results have been criticized for inaccuracies and lack of transparency.
  • ESPN's Jimmy Pitaro remains committed to his role despite speculation about his interest in becoming Disney CEO, and he is open to re-engaging with MLB for future broadcasting deals.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!