Any new employment at the U-T will be digitally related

Struggling with an explanation to investors as to why tronc, Inc., the oddly named newspaper chain from Chicago, has slipped in both revenue and web traffic from last year, chief executive Justin Dearborn managed to throw a little journalistic glory San Diego’s way. During the company’s third-quarter earnings report August 2, Dearborn announced, “The San Diego Union-Tribune was recently honored by the San Diego society of professional journalists, winning 13 first place awards and special honors in three categories.”

Then market analyst Lance Vitanza posed a query that many at the layoff-challenged U-T have had on their minds as parent tronc has slipped further into the financial mire that is today’s newspaper business: “Could you talk a little bit about headcount today and attrition versus people leaving the company and where you sort of see that number going over the long term?”

Sidestepping the question, CFO Terry Jimenez responded, “We do have a...large number of open positions.” The reason for delay in filling the empty spots? “We are looking to make sure that we are bringing the right talent and the right kinds of talent to help fill the skills that we need to operate the business moving forward.”

Those expecting word of fresh help in the beleaguered U-T newsroom were disappointed. Any new employment, Jimenez concluded, will be digitally-related. “We are focused on making sure we are bringing in the right talent and resources to help drive that business moving forward.”