The harsh truth about newspaper company consolidations

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...

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...

GateHouse Media’s utter disregard for quality journalism

It's never good news when New Media Investment Group, the parent company of GateHouse Media, buys your newspaper. Wholesale newsroom cuts and outsourcing come next, as we have seen at five UMG-represented newspapers: The Peoria Journal-Star, State Journal-Register of Springfield,...

Springfield unit battles on for pay raises

Our Springfield unit is pressing on for a first contract at the State Journal-Register. After years of negotiating, the GateHouse Media is still offering what amounts to a pay cut for those of our members using company health care. Before...