Journalists at US newspaper asked to double up as paperboys
On top of the daily grind of interviewing people and writing reports, reporters at one of California’s largest newspaper have been asked to help deliver papers on Sundays.
Is this the future of journalists around the world? We certainly hope not.
The Santa Ana-based Orange County Register is offering US$150 (S$195) gift cards to staff members if they deliver 500 to 600 papers.
The paper’s top editor Rob Curley said in an e-mail to Reuters: "The entire company – all departments, including our newsroom – has been asked to help during what has clearly been a difficult situation.
"It’s strictly voluntary."
The company has been struggling, and dozens of reporters and editors have been let go in recent months.
Employees have also been asked to help out in customer service, personally telephoning subscribers who had not been able to reach a live agent.
Said Mr Curley: "It’s unusual, yes. It’s frustrating that we’re even in this position. But it’s temporary. Bottom line: all of us want our loyal readers to get their papers first thing in the morning.”
Source: Reuters
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