McClatchy prices out experienced reporters
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST — McClatchy Media is pricing experienced reporters out of the local news industry at a time when communities deserve reliable information more than ever. The union members at the Idaho Statesman, The Tacoma News Tribune, Tri-City Herald, The Olympian and Bellingham Herald are fighting to protect local journalism from an out-of-state corporation.
Owned by a New Jersey hedge fund, McClatchy Media operates newspapers in 30 markets with 65 million monthly readers and boasts more than 50 Pulitzer Prizes. But behind the company’s success are struggling employees.
Local reporters used to be able to buy a home, raise a family and save for retirement on their wages. Today, McClatchy reporters are struggling with the realization they must either give up those dreams or quit.
It’s become a vicious cycle: McClatchy hires reporters, the reporters gain experience, McClatchy refuses to recognize their skills and they reluctantly move on to higher-paying jobs.
Journalists aren’t the only ones who suffer. Building trust with sources takes years. Rapid turnover means that when officials hide corruption, we don’t have reporters with the community connections to uncover the truth.
After more than eight months of contract negotiations, McClatchy still refuses to offer a wage floor above $48,000. More than 75% of current McClatchy journalists in Idaho and Washington make less than their area’s stable household wages determined by the United Way — the charitable organization on whose boards our CEO Tony Hunter has long served.
For most, there’s little chance of significant wage increases, no matter how many years worked, stories broken or awards won. Company leaders have demanded journalists write 20% more stories and produce 50% more videos this year, but only offered a 2% yearly raise. All while inflation has eroded almost 10% of our wages in the past three years.
Meanwhile, McClatchy corporate offices are on a spending spree, spending millions to acquire a chain of tabloids and an AI company.
“There’s always enough money for the latest shiny toy for McClatchy’s out-of-state executives,” said Michael Lycklama, chair of the Idaho News Guild. “Yet McClatchy cries poverty when it comes time to invest in newsrooms and the communities that rely on them.”
Local reporters are available in Washington and Idaho markets for interviews. Request an interview by emailing pnwnewsguildmcc@gmail.com.
All statements can be attributed to: The Idaho and Washington State News Guilds