Pioneer Press biz editor was laid off

David Brauer of MinnPost.org reports that St. Paul Pioneer Press business editor Doug Iverson was laid off from the paper, and the new editor overseeing business news coverage is Chris Clonts, who also oversees the paper’s online and multimedia efforts.

Brauer writes, “Why Iverson? The 19-year PiPress veteran was well liked and respected for blazing fast editing and decision-making skills. However, PiPress management was trapped by a no-layoff guarantee covering union staff through January 2012. Iverson, like other managers, is not in the union.

“On most days, business coverage isn’t a stand-alone section in the PiPress; though there are still 10 reporters or editors assigned there — likely the second-biggest business staff in town — it is not a central front in the local-news competition with the Star Tribune. On any given story, the PiPress can compete, but it long since gave up the breadth war.

“As for Iverson, he still isn’t talking, but word is at least one other media outlet is interested in his services. I don’t know if they are local, but two operations spring to mind — Dolan Media, which has lacked an overseer for Finance & Commerce and Minnesota Lawyer for several months; and Minnesota Public Radio, where Iverson’s former boss Chris Worthington is now the newsroom boss. Hopefully, a talented guy lands on his feet.”

Read more here.