Express-Times, NJN cope during challenging economy

According to INPRINT, a monthly publication of the N.J. Press Association, the Express-Times newspaper, Western Jersey, is offering voluntary buyouts to staff. Reportedly, Express-Times Publisher and President Martin K. Till announced the company will offer voluntary buyouts to full-time employees. Employees have until Feb. 19 to apply for the offer, which amounts to a minimum six months of salary and maximum of one year, based on service. Health insurance is covered during the span. The newspaper will reportedly continue to honor its no-layoff policy. Tll is reported to have characterized the economy as "...in the tank..."

In a related item, NJN Publishing, in the Somerset area, has reportedly laid off 25 full- and part-time employees at the company's four weekly newspapers in North Jersey. Among those let go during December were, reportedly, long-time Hunterdon County Democrat Executive Editor Jay Langley and NJN Publishing Controller Peg Gerke. The announcement about NJN's move was made by Publisher Joy Gioioso, according to INPRINT.