Houston, San Antonio trim staff through buyouts

The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News last month cut about 5 percent of their staff mainly through buyouts.

The Chronicle reported that about 70 employees were affected and in San Antonio between 40 and 50 positions were affected. Both newspapers are owned by Hearst Corp.

“Even with our core newspaper and extensive lineup of print and online products, our ad revenues have trended down over the last five years,” Chronicle publisher and president Jack Sweeney said. “Projections for 2008 also show a downturn.”

“The near-term economic outlook for newspapers remains soft. This requires us to take steps now to reduce our cost structure,” Express-News publisher Tom Stephenson said.

In October both newspapers offered buyouts to eligible employees through early retirement and voluntary termination. The newspapers also eliminated some open positions.

“We need to operate differently, and at less cost, in order to devote more resources to new technology and product development,” Sweeney said.

The Chronicle is the largest daily in Texas with 541,603 circulation and 1,300 employees. The Express-News is the third largest daily with 247,215 circulation and 900 employees.