Globe cuts 42 jobs, reorganizes business side

The Boston Globe said it is eliminating 42 jobs -- mostly managers in advertising, circulation and marketing -- and has reorganized its business operations management to better integrate the Globe and its website, Boston.com.

Under the reorganization, Boston.com business managers will now report to Globe publisher Steve Ainsley, instead of to the digital unit of the New York Times Co., the Globe's owner. Globe editor Martin Baron already oversees both the Globe and Boston.com’s editorial operations.

Today's layoffs -- which did not include any positions in the newsroom -- are part of an ongoing effort to cut expenses at a time when the newspaper industry has been roiled by declining print readership and advertising. In September, the Globe said it will close its satellite plant in Billerica by 2010. Earlier this year, the paper cut 48 jobs through voluntary buy-outs. The Globe and Boston.com have more than 2,500 employees.

“We specifically decided to remove layers of management, recognizing we need to be a leaner organization with more direct lines of communications and responsibility,” Ainsley said in a memo to employees. “While necessary, this decision was very difficult.”
(By Todd Wallack, Globe staff)