NAA Cuts Staff Again -- Reduces Member Dues

By: Jennifer Saba The Newspaper Association of America has trimmed back its staff again after a large-scale cutback last April.

The association cut 10 positions in administrative support, back office and business development departments. The NAA now employs 32 people full time.

NAA President and CEO John Sturm explained in a memo to employees that the economic downturn continues to impact the organization and its members. The NAA is lowering its dues in 2010 and has to adjust costs accordingly.

"Only in the late summer, as our members reviewed their own finances, and the board determined [it] was necessary to implement another significant reduction in NAA dues, did the need for this personnel action occur," Sturm wrote.

Of the unnamed staffers who are leaving Sturm wrote: "They have been valued members of our team, and we appreciate the contributions they have made to our organization and industry. They are leaving through no fault of their own."

In April, the NAA reduced its staff by 50% or 39 people and ceased publishing the print edition of Presstime.