Tipsters say WFOR is in the midst of budget cuts – less part time hours, no stringers and no freelance reporters allegedly.
Christina Puig, who worked at CNN/CNN Espanol and Univision, was one to get axed also allegedly due to the budget cuts.
The cuts also affect WBFS since they’re owned by CBS.
says oy vey in comments:
This happens about this time every year at cbs. However, this year corporate is cracking down more on several of the o&o’s. They want to make permenant cuts to the freelancers. That’s why some are being fired, rather then have their hours reduced for a few months.
I guess Antonio’s & Shannon’s salaries have to come from somewhere…
Not really, Joe. The headline is way off base. Cristina was a part-timer who worked a few days a week and her departure had nothing to do with money. All CBS stations have been asked to watch spending because the economy sucks meaning money spent on ads at CBS is down. Some part timers are getting fewer hours and overtime is being watched. Nobody is being let go because of “budget cuts”. In fact, their website says they are looking for new people.
I should’ve put a winky after my comment. 😉
Good points Scooter.
This happens about this time every year at cbs. However, this year corporate is cracking down more on several of the o&o’s. They want to make permenant cuts to the freelancers. That’s why some are being fired, rather then have their hours reduced for a few months.
You’ve got it wrong. Nobody is being fired because of ‘budget cuts’. Name me one ‘freelancer’ at 4 other than Cristina who has been escorted out the door. It’s just coincidence. Money is not the only reason people are asked to leave.
Cristina was fired because she was really bad. SHe always messed up and her packages were so bad, especially her live shots. It was not budget cuts!
The fired comment was not specific to wfor, I meant that each o & o has been forced to fire people due to audits. Also, freelance talent aren’t the only ones being effected… writers, editers, and other other freelance staff are also feeling the cuts. It’s because CBS audits their books this time of year to find out which stations are not managing their budgets in a corporate approved manner.