Terror at the Tribune…
So my first day at the Chicago Tribune was on Thursday and it was quite a somber day for many. Apparently it was another lay-off day and everyone was on edge about whether they were going to be next to get the axe. The newsroom was absolutely silent minus the few on the phones talking about how stupid it was to get rid of a few international reporters that were currently overseas. Many expletives were used during those conversations. Even the editor who interviewed me back in October was leaving when she’s been there for over 10 years!
It was interesting seeing how everyone really felt and witnessing how the situation really was there. Everyone knows the ridiculous amount of lay-offs there have been, but seeing it first-hand with people packing up their things in boxes and clearing off their desks was intense. No one is safe no matter how long they’ve been there and they realize that which scares them even more. A Columbia adjunct faculty member was let go that day too I found out…. so much for an uplifting post!
Besides the job situation, I have the pleasure of sitting by “an old Italian man that gets obnoxiously loud on the phone” as he described himself to me. I was also amused at all the reporter’s desks….I’m surprised at how they can function and work at the tiny space that isn’t cluttered with newspapers, magazines and random action figures. My favorite thing I noticed today was the random New Kid’s on the Block poster pinned to the side of a reporter’s desk with signed autographs from the 80’s.
My first byline for the Tribune ran on Saturday too which was exciting. The event I covered lasted from 7p.m.-10p.m. with my deadline being 9a.m. the following morning. Now I know why I’m concentrating in magazine…
