BREAKING: Layoffs at San Jose Mercury News

Our favorite Newsroom Angel of Death, Erica Smith sent us a note from her blog:

This is the most depressing thing I have heard in some time.

The San Jose Mercury News announced on Wednesday afternoon that they will be laying off nine employees. Newsroom leaders said they are looking for volunteers by 5 p.m. Thursday, and employees will be laid off on Friday.

We caught up with Smith and asked her a couple of questions:

FBLA: Why is this one more depressing to you?

ES: That one? The way it was announced. “We’re laying off nine — you have until tomorrow to volunteer.” In the past, papers have given people a little time at least — Palm Beach post announced 300 by today, but they’re giving people a little time to figure out what’s going on.

FBLA: You’d think you’d be immune by now.

ES: You’d think. Guess not.

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