Chicago Tribune

Sam Zell took his first bite out of the Chicago Tribune newsroom recently, disclosing plans to lay off about 15 percent of its staff. And the bite may be followed by more. Tribune employees said they have heard the reductions in the paper's 570-person editorial department could total from 150 to 200. Employees said department heads told them 80 positions will be cut soon. They said the total includes 20 unfilled positions. The timing of the announcement is unusual because an internal Tribune review was not expected to produce recommendations on job cuts until mid-August. Staffers speculate more cuts will come as Tribune editors complete plans for eliminating sections and reducing the space devoted to news and features. Matters being discussed, Tribune employees said, include eliminating the Sunday magazine and combining the business section with another section, perhaps sports. The paper also is examining its Saturday edition and will use it to test design changes. Sources said the laid-off workers will receive two weeks' severance for each year of service. They said managers did not explain whether the layoffs will be decided based on salary levels, productivity, job category or other factors.