An interesting commentary on the last days of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and how the Hearst corporation handled the shut-down.
From paidContent:
An Insider�s View: The Strange Final Days Of The Seattle Post-IntelligencerThat must have been a very odd situation -- I really hope that someone documented it -- a situation like that would make a fascinating documentary.
On Jan. 9, Hearst Newspapers President Steve Swartz flew into Seattle and told the staff of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that if Hearst could not find a buyer for the 146-year-old paper within 60 days, publication would cease.
So, on March 10, the 60th day, we expected an announcement. The final commemorative edition was ready to go to press. An all-staff picture had been taken. Last-minute visits to the globe that spun on our roof were arranged. News budgets lay mostly bare.
The newsroom wisdom: Why would Hearst want to keep our paper in business for a single extra day and have to deal with the additional expense? I thought the announcement would come around noon.
But when our reporter called a Hearst spokesman asking what was new that morning, the spokesman said the company was still evaluating its options. Rumors quickly circulated that perhaps the incredible had happened�someone actually wanted to buy us. That had to be why our demise was being delayed. Word spread that an �Asian investor� was interested. And that a lawyer linked to Bill Gates himself was taking a look.
Then, shredding bins, recycling containers and empty boxes arrived. Ominous signs.
But still no word from on high.
The newsroom collectively screamed�via a chain of famous quotes with not too subtle undertones that staffers e-mailed out to the all-staff list. (Samples: �I wear black on the outside �cause black is how I feel on the inside� �Morrissey; �Nothing so focuses a man�s attention as the prospect of being hanged��Samuel Johnson.) We designated a dog as the employee of the month.
Still no word.
