'Tulsa World' Lays Off 26 in Newsroom

By: The Tulsa World, Oklahoma?s second largest newspaper, is laying off 28 employees, 26 of those in the newsroom, the paper announced Tuesday.

In a statement to employees, Publisher Robert E. Lorton III said "the media business is not immune from economic realities, as evidenced by recent layoffs seen at our local TV and radio stations.?

Lorton also cited a weakened local advertising market and high cost of newsprint.

"Just because this is the prudent business decision, it is not any less difficult,? Lorton said of the cuts. "These co-workers have been part of our team and we will miss their contributions.

"It?s a story that?s been played out across the city and country as businesses are faced with the unpleasant responsibility of adjusting their payrolls in this harsh economic downturn.?

Managing Editor Susan Ellerbach said that overall, the cuts represented about 5 percent of World Publishing Co.?s work force.

Those laid off were informed at a meeting Tuesday. Cuts in the newsroom included two Capitol bureau reporter, police reporter, photographers and employees in the graphics department, among others.

Details of severance pay and benefits were not disclosed.

"The remaining newsroom staff will be challenged to continue to produce a quality product,? said Joe Worley, executive editor of the Tulsa World.