Maine newspaper firm lays off 18 to cut costs

AUGUSTA – Eighteen employees of the Central Maine Newspapers in Augusta and Waterville are getting layoff notices in a move to cut costs.

The newspapers’ president, John Christie, said revenues are down for the third year, mostly in advertising. The closings of a number of companies in central Maine have had a ripple effect on the newspapers, he said.

No staff reporters lost their jobs and readers should see no difference in the two newspapers, the Kennebec Journal of Augusta and Morning Sentinel of Waterville, Christie said. The employees received their notices on Thursday, Friday and Monday.

The layoffs represent the equivalent of 151/2 full-time positions. Christie said the newspapers will continue to cut costs by eliminating management incentive pay and cutting travel expenses and supply purchases.

The Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel are among five newspapers owned by the Seattle Times Co.’s Blethen Maine Newspapers division.