People are "pissed" at CQ-Roll Call. One source just sent us this note from Brian Nutting directed at Mike Mills, Laurie Battaglia and John Dineen. Nutting copied the entire newsroom.

From: Brian Nutting Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:29 AM

To: Mike Mills; 'Laurie Battaglia'; John Dineen

Cc: News Room

Subject: We need answers

The newsroom needs to hear in person from those who are responsible for today's announcement. Someone in authority should appear before us to attempt to justify the actions announced.

In July, when the sale of CQ was announced, we were told that both Roll Call and CQ are profitable.

We were told that the Economist and CQ had many shared values.
We were told that "there is a higher purpose to what we do."
We were told that the people in the company were highly valued.

And now this.

What possible justification can there be for throwing people out of their jobs simply to make MORE money?

I would like to know who has been laid off. What is the CQ/Roll Call breakdown on jobs that will be lost?

Why are people being laid off? Was a reduction in staff size through attrition considered?

Damn straight, Brian!!! We were told the same.