AP Layoffs Underway: Cutting Payroll by 10% As Planned

by Scott Wu | November 17, 2009 at 11:08 am

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AP layoffs are apparently underway. Various sources have confirmed that the Associated Press is cutting staffs today, as the news cooperative said it would do. Gawker reported that at least 80 jobs will be cut. Paul Colford, director of media relations of AP, declined to comment but reiterated their plan to cut payroll by 10% by the end of this year.

"We are on track to meet that goal," Colford said. "A hiring freeze began in 2008 and it continues." In November 2008, Tom Curley, the AP's president and CEO, announced plans for a 10% cut in 2009.

Gawker is keeping track of the layoffs: AP layoff list.

The layoffs appear to be happening in all locations.

From Erin Carlson: Five layoffs in the multimedia department in the Manhattan headquarters, "and one staffer is crying in the bathroom."

From Michael Calderone: One layoff in the Washington, DC research department.

Last round of layoff occured in July. About 100 jobs were cut through voluntary buyouts. Currently the AP has about 4,000 employees worldwide.