SNA survey: Community papers hold line on salary and benefits p.27

By: Editorial Staff COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ARE keeping their belts tight, the latest wage and benefit survey from Suburban Newspapers of America indicates.
SNA member-newspapers told the survey they are paring some benefits and generally keeping salary increases low.
One exception: More newspapers are moving from paying their inside sales staff straight commission to a commission/salary combination.
Some 48 SNA member-companies, about 39% of the total membership, responded to the survey, which was based on wages and benefits provided in 1994. SNA last conducted a similar survey in 1992.
Among the highlights:
? Fewer companies ? 51% vs. 58% ? are offering insurance benefits to all employees compared to 1992, and more ? 47% vs. 41% ? are reserving insurance benefits for selected employees.
? Salary increases for both managers and non-managerial employees typically ranged between 2% to 5%.
? At an average of 5% last year, general manager salaries are increasing faster than publisher salaries, which were up 3% in 1994.
? The average annual salary of a suburban newspaper company publisher was $85,000 in 1994 ? up about $15,000 since 1992.
? The average annual salary of an entry-level reporter at a suburban newspaper company was $17,000 in 1994 ? up about $200 since 1992.
Participating SNA members received the 1995 Wage & Benefits Study free.
It is available to non-participating SNA members for $50 and for non-members for $100. For information, contact SNA at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., 60611-4267. Phone: 312/644-6610. E-mail: sna@sba.com.