'Akron Beacon Journal' Cuts 27 More Jobs

The Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal plans to cut another 27 job, the Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported today, adding that none will come from the newsroom.

The latest cuts come a month after the paper said it would eliminate 40 jobs, or 25% of its newsroom force, which includes reporters, editors, photographers, clerks and librarians.

The latest reductions announced today will include advertising, accounting, marketing and circulation. "What we're doing is making the moves we have to to make sure the company is healthy for the long haul for our employees and our community," Publisher Edward Moss told the Plain Dealer.

Both rounds of cuts were meant to position the Beacon Journal "for growth and to match expenses to revenue," Moss told the paper. Following the cuts, the Beacon Journal will have some 700 workers, Moss said.

The cuts are set to take effect immediately, Rita Kelly Madick, community relations and marketing director, told The Plain Dealer, which added that the workers would receive two weeks' pay for each year of service.

"These layoffs will be 100% transparent to our readers and customers," Madick added. "We will continue all business services and functions."

The cutbacks come just a few months after the Beacon Journal was purchased for $165 million by Canadian newspaper chain Black Press Ltd. in July. Moss, a former marketing executive, became publisher in early August.