New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is willing to offer state help to the New York Daily News after nearly 50 percent of the editorial staff was laid off Monday.
Cuomo asked Tronc, Inc., which owns the newspaper, to reconsider the decision as it hurts “a New York institution and one of our nation’s journalism giants,” according to the statement made Monday. The statement added that New York state was willing to offer aid, though the amount of financial help was not specified. (RELATED: Over 70 Sex Offenders Will Get To Vote Under Cuomo’s Voting Restoration Pardon Policy)
My statement on the layoffs at the @NYDailyNews: pic.twitter.com/R1FflH98DX
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 23, 2018
“These layoffs were made without notifying the State or asking for assistance,” the statement said on Monday. “My father, as Governor, came to the aid of the New York Post when it was facing difficult financial times. Even though the Post represented an opposing active partisan interest, my father understood the value of a robust free press. So do I.”
The statement came after the New York Daily News downsized its newsroom to focus on breaking news talent. The news organization had around 85 employees before the layoffs, The New York Post reported.
Laid-off staffers will be paid for 90 days and are also eligible for transitional benefits after as part of the severance package.
Editor in chief Jim Rich and managing editor Kristen Lee were laid off. Robert York will take over to head the New York Daily News starting July 30. York was previously the editor in chief at the Allentown, Pennsylvania, newspaper, Morning Call, which was also owned by Tronc.
Tronc’s talent and engagement team sent an email to staffers about the lay offs, according to CNNMoney.
“We know our readers look to us for a unique point of view, and we believe these topics offer our best opportunity to differentiate our reporting. We will, of course, continue to cover local news, sports and other events, but our approach will evolve as we adapt to our current environment,” the email said according to CNNMoney.
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