Los Angeles Times Cuts Staff Again (Exclusive)

The Los Angeles Times slashes a dozen newsroom jobs and takes buy-outs from at least one senior editor

The Los Angeles Times let go more than a dozen staffers on Tuesday as part of another round of layoffs and buyouts primarily hitting the editorial side of the paper, TheWrap has learned.

TheWrap previously reported that this round of layoffs would range from 12 to 20, and the Times confirmed that the number fell somewhere in between those marks. Craig Turner, arts and entertainment editor and a Times veteran of more than 40 years, and Shari Roan, a 22-year stalwart who wrote for the health section, are among those exiting.

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Turner told TheWrap that he volunteered for a buyout. Roan's section was recently folded, possibility paving the way for her job elimination. LA Observed first reported her departure.  

Two web producers for arts and entertainment have been laid off, as have writers for the Calendar and Image sections. The cuts also hit the copy desks and design department. 

"They are primarily editorial positions," a Times spokeswoman told TheWrap. "Some are administration, some are copy desk, some are design, some are news operations."

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Times media writer James Rainey tweeted a farewell to his news operation staffer Steve Straehley. "Sad to see colleagues leaving the LAT today including Steve Straehley, who saved me from many computer disasters," he tweeted. "Rock on Steve!t."

The Times spokeswoman described the cuts as “a workforce reduction.”

Back in December, individuals familiar with the situation told TheWrap that the layoffs would likely hit just the copy and design desks, as well as web producers.

Instead, more departments have been hit.

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