The Herald Censors Itself After Layoffs

The Herald faced significant backlash after announcing the layoffs of over half its newsroom staff, including top editors. The original article described the cuts as mandated by Carpenter Media Group, the newspaper's new owners. Amid outrage from former staff and readers, the article was briefly removed and later reinstated with softened language, changing "mandated" to a less direct phrasing. Publisher Rudi Alcott claimed the decision to alter the article was not his, pointing to internal tensions within the organization. The revised article now includes a statement from Carpenter Media, emphasizing their commitment to the long-term success of journalism in Snohomish County.

The layoffs, which included 12 positions, sparked concerns about the future of local reporting and the integrity of the publication. This incident raises questions about the balance between business decisions and editorial independence. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by local news organizations in maintaining staff and credibility.