Layoffs at WCVB??

["Mark Watson" <markwats@mediaone.net>]

    Today's (8/1) Boston Herald reports that according to a memo to WCVB
(Channel 5) employees, they may have to be some cutbacks at Channel 5, as
parent Hearst-Argyle posted a 42% loss for the 2nd quarter. GM Paul LaCamera
reportedly told station employees in this memo that the station is
experiencing a decrease in ad revenue over the past few months, putting the
blame on the nation's economic downturn, and that all departments of the
station may experience some trimming of personnel to control expenses.

   Hearst-Argyle has combined it's news operations at WPTZ Plattsburgh, NY
and WNNE in White River Jct, VT.(both are NBC affiliates). Could the same
happen with WCVB and Hearst-Argyle's most recent acquisition, WMUR (Channel
9) in Manchester? Both are ABC affiliates, which could make it easy to do as
in the WPTZ/WNNE combo news operation. In fact, Hearst-Argyle did cut WMUR's
9AM news/infotainment newscast and it's 4PM news a couple of months ago,
replacing them with syndicated talkers Sally Jessy Raphale and Oprah
Winfrey, running at the same time on WCVB in fact.

   Anyone agree or disagree?? Could we see more downsizing at other
stations, TV or radio as the economy continues to flounder??

   Mark Watson