Buyouts offered to WSJ/Dow Jones journalists

A number of reporters who work for The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires have been offered buyouts earlier this week, Talking Biz News has confirmed.

One staffer said that they were given one week to decide.

A staffer described the buyouts as part of the company’s continuing efforts to integrate its Journal and Newswires operations. While a spokeswoman characterized the buyout offer as being part of the company’s normal course of business, a staffer said, “I don’t think so.”

“As ever, we are focused on maintaining the Journal’s high standard of excellence while also operating efficiently and profitably,” said a Dow Jones spokeswoman. “We continue to ensure we have the right reporting and editing resources for the task.   Buyouts have long been an option for staff.”

A staffer said that layoffs are likely if enough staffers do not take the offer.

The Journal and Dow Jones Newswires are part of News Corp., which is in the process of splitting into two. The newspapers will constitute the bulk of one company, while the entertainment and television properties will constitute another.

Some of the other newspapers in News Corp. have also been decreasing staff recently.