The Buzz
The Buzz
Honolulu television stations KHON-2 and KGMB-9 each cut two employees as part of layoffs mandated by parent company Emmis Communications Corp. Corporate layoffs
hit local TV stationsIn addition, KGMB eliminated three vacant positions.
The cuts were part of 120 jobs eliminated by Emmis to compensate for an overall decline in advertising revenue.
The company said much of the impact was felt at stations Emmis purchased in October from Lee Enterprises, including KGMB.
Emmis called the cuts "the natural integration and the strategic reallocation of resources."
KGMB laid off veteran reporter and one-time anchor Jerry Drelling along with Programming Coordinator Jan Dawson, effective yesterday.
Station General Manager Lynne Mueller says the company offered generous severance packages to the employees.
"The toughest part about being in business is giving out tough news, tough business decisions," Mueller said.
KHON's cuts fell in the news department. The station laid off weekend assignment editor Bill Souza and Holly Nakamura, one of four morning news producers.
KHON Vice President and General Manager William Spellman attributed the cuts to the tough economy.
Businesses supported by advertising revenue last year benefited from political advertising dollars that will not be available this year, Spellman said. The loss of that money, combined with a downturn in the national economy, necessitated cuts now for smoother operations down the road, he said.
However, there is no hiring freeze. Spellman said the station is looking to fill other positions, such as the marketing director job vacated by Robert Pennybacker, who resigned in February.
Kate Healey, director of media and investor relations for Emmis Communications, said that, while painful, the cuts in Honolulu were far less severe than the 31 positions eliminated at KOIN TV in Portland, Ore.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4757, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com