One of California’s largest newspapers has asked reporters and other employees to help deliver papers on Sundays, according to a memo obtained by Reuters, the latest sign of the toll that financial woes are taking on print journalism.
The Santa Ana-based Orange County Register, which recently stopped contracting with rival Los Angeles Times for delivery services, is offering US$150 gift cards to staff members if they deliver between 500 and 600 papers, according to the memo sent on Thursday, which was confirmed by the paper’s top editor.
“The entire company — all departments, including our newsroom — has been asked to help during what has clearly been a difficult situation,” editor Rob Curley said in an e-mail. “It’s strictly voluntary.”
“It’s unusual, yes,” Curley said. “It’s frustrating that we’re even in this position, but it’s temporary. Bottom line: All of us want our loyal readers to get their papers first thing in the morning.”
Earlier this month, the Register reported that two investor groups had told a judge in Delaware that the company was insolvent and asked the court to appoint a receiver to oversee the company’s finances.
The newspaper reported that the request was denied, but it said the investors pointed to problems with the delivery contract with the Los Angeles Times as adding to its financial woes.
The Los Angeles Times says it is owed US$2.5 million in fees for delivering the paper.
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