It was the best of Times, now it’s the worst of The Times

Updated: The Trenton Times is the 2nd largest circulation gainer in the U.S.

Oct. 27, 2008

 

The Trenton Times on Thursday announced a buyout to its full-time workers with the goal of reducing staff by 25 full-time, non-represented employees.

Richard Bilotti, the publisher said the reduction in employees at The Times is tied to a buyout and labor negotiation effort also announced Thursday at its sister paper, The Star-Ledger, which is the “mother ship.”

If The Ledger does not reduce its work force by 200 full-time, non-represented employees by Oct. 1 and the paper cannot reach labor agreements with its drivers union and mailers union by the same date, both papers will be sold. If The Times does not meet its buyout number, and the Star Ledger achieves its goals, The Times will be closed.

“Both the Star-Ledger and our newspaper have been suffering an unprecedented and steep decline in advertising revenue,” Bilotti said. “Therefore both newspapers are now facing a crisis. The situation is critical. The Star-Ledger and The Times are currently on life support.”

Bilotti is known for being optimistic about The Times. He is also a good newspaper publisher and savvy marketer.

Now the Trenton Times is the sencond biggest gainer in circulation in the U.S. according to ABC Fast FAX. TRENTON (N.J.) TIMES — 53,303 — 5.34%