Three Montana Papers Announce New Round of Layoffs

By: Three Montana newspapers, including the state's largest, announced layoffs on Wednesday.

The Billings Gazette, The Montana Standard of Butte and the Independent Record of Helena reduced staff by a combined 21 positions, according to an article published on the Gazette's Web site. All three are owned by Lee Enterprises Inc.

The Billings Gazette cited challenging economic conditions in announcing its decision to lay off seven full-time and two part-time positions.

"Dreadful increases in fuel and newsprint costs, coupled with a slowdown in national and employment advertising, has caused us to be faced with the difficult decision to make staff reductions," Gazette Publisher Mike Gulledge said.

The layoffs by the Gazette, the state's largest, include two from the newsroom, two in advertising, two in production and one in circulation. The two part-time jobs were in production areas.

In Butte, The Montana Standard laid off seven employees, according to The Billings Gazette. In Helena, five full-time employees were laid off, including one newsroom position, according to a story on the Independent Record's Web site.

"These are difficult decisions, but necessary to weather through revenue downturns and increased expenses," said Pat Schlauch, publisher of the Independent Record. "The economic outlook over the next year is challenging, and we need to position ourselves to continue to grow our business and be the key news and information source for Helena."

In Wyoming, the Casper Star-Tribune also reduced staff by four positions, according to The Billings Gazette. The Wyoming paper is owned by Lee Enterprises.

Gulledge, publisher of the Gazette, also serves as vice president for publishing for Lee Enterprises. He said Lee was adopting a regional approach to providing financial services to the Gazette and the three other Lee newspapers.

"In Billings, we will be providing financial services support for our enterprises in Butte, Helena and Casper (Wyo.)," Gulledge said. "We will be adding three positions in Billings to facilitate the strategy."

Two other Lee newspapers recently announced reorganizations. Last week, the Ravalli Republic added a senior reporter and laid off six employees. Last month, the Missoulian laid off seven employees.

Earlier this week, the state's second largest newspaper, the Great Falls Tribune, eliminated one position as part of a management reorganization.

"Our revenue continues to be strong, but we face the same expense challenges that are hurting all newspapers," Tribune Publisher Jim Strauss said. "With our large distribution area, we have been hit hard by sharply higher fuel costs. In addition, newsprint prices have risen 32 percent since November."

The Great Falls Tribune is owned by Gannett Co.