Catching the Local: Boston Globe Names McGrory Editor

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fifty-one-year-old Brian McGrory, who joined The Boston Globe in 1989, has been named Editor, effective immediately, the paper announced today, replacing Marty Baron, 58, who ended his 11-year tenure at the helm of the Globe last week to lead the Washington Post beginning next month (see "TUOL" post 11/14/12).

McGrory, who has been penning a twice-weekly column in the Globe's Metro section since 2010, has held numerous positions at the Globe, including White House correspondent, general assignment reporter and deputy managing editor for local news. He will report to Publisher Christopher M. Mayer.

The Globe is owned by The New York Times. Rumors abound that the paper, which has suffered losses in circulation and ad revenue, may be unloaded by the Times. McGrory, who has also worked for the Quincy Patriot-Ledger and New Haven Register, has big shoes to fill, as the Globe earned six Pulitzer Prizes while Baron was at the helm.

McGrory, a Boston native, joins the fairly exclusive club of Globe Editors-in-Chief that has included Marty Baron, Jack Driscoll, Tom Winship, Michael Janeway and Matt Storin. He is the author of Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a Family Man.

Globe Takes Turn for the Worst: Voluntary Buyouts Offered

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)Forty-three Boston Globe workers, union members and management alike--including 20 newsroom staffers--have been offered voluntary buyouts, and another 10 employees were laid off, according to Globe Publisher and New England Media Group ("NEMG") President Christopher M. Mayer.

According to a report by the Globe's rival, the tabloid Boston Herald, the New York Times-owned broadsheet in May saw its daily circulation drop below 200,000 for the first time ever, fueling speculation that the Globe and another Times property, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, may soon be offered for sale. Reportedly, the Telegram & Gazette laid off one staffer and offered voluntary buyouts to another 10.

According to a report by the Poynter.org Web site, the T & G will eliminate slots and layoffs will ensue if the buyouts are not accepted.  The Globe, which boasts a work force of 1,881, does not anticipate universal acceptance of the buyout offer. As part of a cost-savings measure, the Globe reportedly plans to close its suburban bureaus.