All posts by Jeff

UMG mourns the loss of Robert Steinke

During his two decades at the helm of the St. Louis Newspaper Guild, Robert A. Steinke built one of the strongest and most enduring local unions in The NewsGuild. He represented workers at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis...

The harsh truth about newspaper company consolidations

The consolidation of the newspaper business continues. Gannett hasn't given up on purchasing Tribune Co. as part of its ongoing expansion. The money guys behind New Media Investment Group/GateHouse, Fortress Investment Group, remain in "buy" mode they can maximize the...

Attention Mike Reed: The battle escalates

Earlier this month United Media Guild business representative Shannon Duffy sent this letter to Mike Reed, the CEO of New Media Investment Group -- the parent company of GateHouse Media and its four newspapers that we represent in Illinois: Dear...

GateHouse declares impasse, extends SJ-R wage freeze for three more years

During our battle for a first contract in Springfield, Ill., GateHouse Media has absolutely, positively refused to negotiate raises. The company took this hard line even though GateHouse emerged from bankruptcy flush with capital as part of its new parent...

UMG awards scholarship to outstanding student journalist

One of the United Media Guild's core missions is promoting the craft of journalism during this critical time in our industry and in our society. At the recommendation of UMG vice president Joe Kenny, our executive committee voted to restore...

More doubts raised about New Media/GateHouse stock

After GateHouse Media was reborn as part of the larger New Media Investment Group, analysts were bullish on the stock's potential. The company has plowed forth on a buying spree, becoming one of the few big players left in the...

New publisher, same problem at SJ-R

The churn continues at the State Journal-Register. Salespersons come and go. So do reporters, frustrated by the eternal wage freeze invoked by GateHouse Media. Notable departures include Jamie Munks, Maggie Menderski, Dan Petrella, Tobias Wall and Molly Beck. And this...