Media General 'Tampas' with Tribune: Staff Slashed by 16 Percent

Image via WikipediaThe Tampa Bay Tribune announced  today that 165 staffers were pink-slipped, reducing its workforce by 16 percent.

Among those terminated was 35-year veteran TV critic Walt Belcher. The layoffs affect the Tribune's print and online editions, but on-air talent at sister station News Channel 8 were spared the ax. Media General Communications Holdings, LLC, which owns the Tribune, said the move will shore up the daily's finances and reflect the redirection toward digital and mobile delivery of the news.

Following the terminations, roughly 675 persons remain employed at the Tampa Bay Tribune.