Layoffs, restructuring at Birmingham News biz desk

TALKING BIZ NEWS EXCLUSIVE

The Birmingham News business desk in Alabama lost its business editor and two staff writers as part of the widespread layoffs among Newhouse papers in Alabama.

Business editor Jerry Underwood was not offered a job in the new company, which will print a newspaper only three days a week and post stories online the rest of the week.

Underwood has been at the paper for nearly 22 years, and he has been the business editor since 1998.

Also not offered jobs were finance and banking reporter Russell Hubbard and consumer/small business reporter Roy Williams.

Economic development reporter Mike Tomberlin remains in a similar role, while auto and development reporter Dawn Kent remains but as a statewide industry reporter.

Technology reporter Martin Swant remains as a business reporter in the Huntsville hub. And Stan Diel, assistant business editor/columnist/health industry reporter, remains as something called a “business buzz” reporter in the Birmingham office.

Alec Harvey, currently the features editor, was offered the job of managing producer for business, features and sports in the Birmingham office.

All those not offered a job can apply for about 100 openings. Those will be posted Thursday at al.com/jobs.

Contrary to wrong reports, no one retained had a salary cut. Many, in fact, get raises.