The Times of Trenton plans to move its printing
operations to The Star-Ledger's plant in Piscataway and combine
certain other business functions with The Star-Ledger, the publishers
of both newspapers announced today.
The moves, which include consolidation of functions such as systems and accounting and are likely to occur within the next several months, are intended to increase the efficiency of the two papers, the publishers said. Both papers are owned by Advance Publications.
"Except for improved color printing capacity, the changes should be invisible to readers and advertisers," said Times Publisher Richard Bilotti. "The Times will continue to publish just as it does now, and the paper will be strengthened by the back-office efficiencies that are contemplated."
Bilotti made the announcement today in remarks to employees, emphasizing that news-gathering and advertising-sales functions would not be consolidated in order to maintain the distinct character of each newspaper.
He also stressed that the consolidation of back-office functions would be accomplished without layoffs of any full-time, non-union employees. Voluntary buyouts will be offered to non-union workers at both The Times and The Star-Ledger, but all employees covered by the two newspapers' job security pledges will have a position regardless of the number accepting the buyout.
"Since the Star-Ledger and the Times perform the same kind of tasks with similar equipment, putting together certain operations makes sense," said George Arwady, publisher of The Star-Ledger, which is headquartered in Newark and has the largest circulation of any New Jersey newspaper. "The approach we are taking also enables us to keep our separate identities while continuing to deliver high-quality service to our readers, advertisers and communities."
Bilotti added: "There won't be any changes noticeable to readers and advertisers, except improvements in printing from the more modern Star-Ledger equipment. We're implementing common-sense efficiencies, just as any business must do from time to time."
"The Times has been serving its readers and advertisers for 124 years, and it is by far the best-read newspaper in the market," said the Times publisher. "We want to ensure the long-term survival of the Times. The successful implementation of these changes will do just that."
Arwady commented that the newspapers needed to respond to the economic challenges caused by mergers among advertisers, increased competition for advertising dollars and escalating cost increases.
He noted that both The Star-Ledger and The Times have avoided the employee layoffs that have characterized other newspapers' response to the same conditions. But in order to survive, both newspapers must become more competitive and operate as efficiently as possible, he added.
A study of the operations of both newspapers led to the following recommendations:
-- The printing and packaging of The Times will be handled by The Star-Ledger at its Piscataway, NJ, plant.
-- The Times will establish two circulation depots from which its employees and contractors will distribute the newspaper.
-- The information services, accounting services, and some circulation operations at the two newspapers will be combined.
-- Some advertising support and news department production at the two newspapers will be shared or integrated to maximize efficiency.
"Our editorial and advertising staffers will continue to serve our readers and advertisers, providing the same outstanding product and services they expect of The Times," Bilotti said.
In addition to The Times and The Star-Ledger, Advance Publications publishes 24 other daily newspapers and many weekly and monthly publications in New Jersey and elsewhere.
The moves, which include consolidation of functions such as systems and accounting and are likely to occur within the next several months, are intended to increase the efficiency of the two papers, the publishers said. Both papers are owned by Advance Publications.
"Except for improved color printing capacity, the changes should be invisible to readers and advertisers," said Times Publisher Richard Bilotti. "The Times will continue to publish just as it does now, and the paper will be strengthened by the back-office efficiencies that are contemplated."
Bilotti made the announcement today in remarks to employees, emphasizing that news-gathering and advertising-sales functions would not be consolidated in order to maintain the distinct character of each newspaper.
He also stressed that the consolidation of back-office functions would be accomplished without layoffs of any full-time, non-union employees. Voluntary buyouts will be offered to non-union workers at both The Times and The Star-Ledger, but all employees covered by the two newspapers' job security pledges will have a position regardless of the number accepting the buyout.
"Since the Star-Ledger and the Times perform the same kind of tasks with similar equipment, putting together certain operations makes sense," said George Arwady, publisher of The Star-Ledger, which is headquartered in Newark and has the largest circulation of any New Jersey newspaper. "The approach we are taking also enables us to keep our separate identities while continuing to deliver high-quality service to our readers, advertisers and communities."
Bilotti added: "There won't be any changes noticeable to readers and advertisers, except improvements in printing from the more modern Star-Ledger equipment. We're implementing common-sense efficiencies, just as any business must do from time to time."
"The Times has been serving its readers and advertisers for 124 years, and it is by far the best-read newspaper in the market," said the Times publisher. "We want to ensure the long-term survival of the Times. The successful implementation of these changes will do just that."
Arwady commented that the newspapers needed to respond to the economic challenges caused by mergers among advertisers, increased competition for advertising dollars and escalating cost increases.
He noted that both The Star-Ledger and The Times have avoided the employee layoffs that have characterized other newspapers' response to the same conditions. But in order to survive, both newspapers must become more competitive and operate as efficiently as possible, he added.
A study of the operations of both newspapers led to the following recommendations:
-- The printing and packaging of The Times will be handled by The Star-Ledger at its Piscataway, NJ, plant.
-- The Times will establish two circulation depots from which its employees and contractors will distribute the newspaper.
-- The information services, accounting services, and some circulation operations at the two newspapers will be combined.
-- Some advertising support and news department production at the two newspapers will be shared or integrated to maximize efficiency.
"Our editorial and advertising staffers will continue to serve our readers and advertisers, providing the same outstanding product and services they expect of The Times," Bilotti said.
In addition to The Times and The Star-Ledger, Advance Publications publishes 24 other daily newspapers and many weekly and monthly publications in New Jersey and elsewhere.