Layoffs at Ventura County Star

Seven jobs were cut, which may not seem like a lot but it’s the first time the company has had to lay off anyone. The positions were in operations and production, circulation and accounting. Publisher George H. Cogswell III said the objective is to reduce costs without taking away from editorial and advertising (the paper is budgeted for 350 positions). Last year, advertising was down 15 percent, with real estate, want ads and automotive listings are taking the biggest hits. "I don't think we've seen the bottom yet," Cogswell said in a story about the layoffs. "We need to prepare ourselves. Things could get worse before they get better."