The Register-Guard is again downsizing its newsroom. In a short article on Sunday, the paper announced it will eliminate the role of Executive Editor.
The position is currently held by Alison Bath. When asked to confirm her employement status as of May 1, she directed KLCC to corporate headquarters for comment. (The company has not yet responded to KLCC's inquiries.)
Gannett Publishing owns the Register-Guard following a merger with GateHouse Media last year. The move created the largest newspaper chain in America, over 260 local papers in 46 states. Since November, many newsrooms have seen layoffs in the name of “efficiencies.”
Bath has worked for Gannett in some capacity since 1996. Her removal as top editor at the RG comes over a month after the paper reported (March 9th) she would assume the role of Publisher in mid-April. Sunday’s announcement included nothing about the status of a Publisher position at the paper. There was also no mention of economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It did speak to plans to integrate resources. The Register-Guard will “join” three other Northwest newsrooms owned by Gannett (the Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon, the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Washington and the Great Falls Tribune in Montana.) The Executive Editor of the Statesman Journal will oversee content for each local paper.
Managing Editor Michelle Maxwell will lead the Register-Guard newsroom beginning May 2nd.
