Jun 3

Jun 3 Post-Bulletin cuts 11 positions, including several in the newsroom

The Post-Bulletin announced this week the elimination of 11 positions, including several jobs in the newsroom, as part of a restructuring plan.

According to a story published Friday on the newspaper's website, the cuts were "caused primarily by a drop in revenue, including a cyclical decline in recruitment and real estate advertising."

It's unclear which positions were cut. P-B publisher Randy Chapman did not respond to our request seeking comment.

The cuts come as newspapers across the country struggle to keep up with the rapid shift toward digital content. On average, papers have seen their revenues drop by more than 50 percent in just the last 5 years.

In an effort to adapt to the changing media landscape, the P-B said it would unveil a "complete redesign" in late August. The paper is also working to develop new digital services and products, thought it did not provide specifics.

"Our company has a long and proud tradition of innovation, as well as community service," said Len R. Small, president of Illinois-based Small Newspaper Group, which owns multiple media companies including the P-B. "We're committed to that in the months and years ahead."

Before the layoffs, the Post-Bulletin Co. — which also has a number of other publications including 507 and Rochester Magazine — reported to have 184 employees and an independent carrier workforce of 400 people.

The P-B serves 60 communities and, with an average daily readership of more than 70,000, is the largest daily newspaper in southeast Minnesota.