During a recent interview, Fink discouraged managers from broadly applying the principle. We have to go back to ground zero. In addition, we have to be precise in the way we apply the downsizing concept. We are at a delicate time in our industry. If we lose competitive share through wanton downsizing, we are going to be in trouble.
Research indicates that many newsroom staffs still outnumber the rule of thumb.
Data from the 1994 National Cost and Revenue Study for Daily Newspapers, conducted by the Inland Press Association in Park Ridge, Ill., and the International Newspaper Financial Executives in Reston, Va., show that the average staff sizes for newspapers in four circulation categories exceed the guideline. The study also reveals that the size of newsroom budgets averaged from 13.8 percent to 16.1 percent of newspaper expenses. Of 140 audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulations, 79.3 percent have more newsroom employees than one per 1,000 circulation. One added 30 people. What has changed is the nature of the jobs some employees do.