Southern Miss sports beat writer for the C-L

[Kitty]

I have heard that The Clarion-Ledger is eliminating its Southern Miss sports beat writer.

Since both the C-L and the HA are Gannett-owned publications, the Southern Miss sports beat writer for the HA will in effect become the reporter for both newspapers.

This elimination is likely part of corporate downsizing throughout the Gannett organization.

A number of Southern Miss fans are up in arms over this change. Many are friends with Tim Doherty, the C-L reporter affected by this elimination, while others are upset that the C-L will continue to have sports beat writers for Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

[TDaleBeavers]

I think it comes down to the fact that fewer people are reading newspapers now and getting their news from television and other sources. That being said, I certainly see the frustration some of us feel down here over the move -- even if Oxford and Starkville don't have Gannett newspapers serving them.

[virgo]

Wow. I have not heard that. I will do some checking around.

If it is true, this would be Tim Doherty. I hope that isn't the case. Tim has been covering Southern Miss sports for years. He is an excellent writer and an awesome reporter. Have you heard if he will move to a different position? (Although I know Tim lives and works out of Hattiesburg for the most part).

[wilebill]

Tim used to write for the HA until he got "promoted" to the C-L. He still lives in Hattiesburg.

I wonder if he can't just transfer back to the HA. I always enjoyed his writing.

[virgo]

I think it comes down to the fact that fewer people are reading newspapers now and getting their news from television and other sources. That being said, I certainly see the frustration some of us feel down here over the move -- even if Oxford and Starkville don't have Gannett newspapers serving them.

Fewer people may be reading newspapers, but they are reading newspaper Web-sites and still rely on the same writers to provide them with up-to-the-minute information. Regardless of where the story runs (in print or online), newspapers are always going to need writers to get the information, report it and write it.

A lot of the cuts being made at newspapers to make up for revenues have not had a dire affect on actual newsrooms (that is not the case in the areas of circulation or production,m etc). If there are cuts made in the newsroom, a lot of the time the positions are frozen after someone leaves. I have heard of some papers eliminating jobs in the form of buyouts, but I have not heard about this taking place in Jackson (or at any other Gannett paper). YET. As I said, I am going to check on this and I will get back to ya'll.

[virgo]

Ok. I have confirmed that it is true. I am trying to find out some more information. The HA's USM beat writer (Patrick Magee) will be doing the coverage for both papers.

[Kitty]

I find it interesting that the reporter with company seniority may be the one looking for a job.

Unless he was presented with the opportunity to continue as the reporter (who apparently will be based at the HA) and declined it.

[Kitty]

I understand Tim Doherty may be working for the news department at the HA.

[jewelms]

I understand Tim Doherty may be working for the news department at the HA.

That's good. I am happy to hear that he will stay on. Any idea what he will cover? He is a very talented writer.

[TDaleBeavers]

Well...like I said in my first post, the Oxford Eagle and Starkpatch Daily News aren't Gannett papers, so the CL doesn't have the option of streamlining by cutting their beat writer for those schools. These are Division I SEC schools, and yes, they deserve a beat writer.

Most newspaper websites are free, and thus I am not paying the Clarion Ledger or Hattiesburg American to read them when I log on, versus me paying for a subscription or going down the street to the Exxon to buy one. The paid print advertisers don't reach me when I read online either.

As I said, I think this cut is simply a reality of what I am saying -- fewer print edition newspaper readers, and the necessity to streamline where possible.

[Kitty]

That's good. I am happy to hear that he will stay on. Any idea what he will cover? He is a very talented writer.

I don't know what he will cover. Perhaps someone else knows.

I agree he is a very talented writer. When one door closes, another one opens and I am glad he has an opportunity to continue working as a journalist here.