The Press Democrat Guild

We need our community’s support now more than ever. If you value #localjournalism, the best way you can support us is by staying engaged, continuing to read and sharing our message. Learn more here mediaworkers.org/22894-2/

Less than two months after Darius Anderson and Sonoma Media Investments sold The Press Democrat and its sister publications to Media News Group/hedge fund Alden Global Capital, our new owners have already started layoffs. Important 🧵

While MNG is ultimately responsible for this and any future reductions, Darius Anderson, managing member of SMI, is responsible for willingly selling us to a company with this known history of deep cuts to journalism staff.

MNG is following a familiar script that has played out across their acquired properties, where they immediately aim to get rid of journalists, in direct contradiction to what they say about their commitment to journalism.

Members of the Press Democrat newsroom guild were given voluntary buyout offers today. This comes less than two weeks after SMI, (led by Darius Anderson), the owners of the Press Democrat, sold to MediaNews Group (led by the notorious hedge fund Alden Global Capital). 🧵

Although this buyout offer is voluntary, there is growing concern that workforce reductions are imminent, which would detrimentally affect our local news coverage.

Statement from The Mercury News Guild's leadership on MediaNews Group's acquisition of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

@mercnewsguild We questioned Sharon Ryan about your members not receiving a raise since 2016, during her meeting with us last Friday. She just repeatedly said, “That’s not true.” While we rattled off exactly what you are saying above in your post. We stand with you!

We call on Darius Anderson/SMI and Hearst to take immediate action and honor the contract. The Press Democrat workers deserve better. mediaworkers.org/press-democrat… #PressDemocratGuild #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #Solidarity #HonortheContract

Our union has worked with SMI in good faith for years. In 2012, we sacrificed our pension, and agreed to reduce wages and vacation days so that SMI could purchase the newspaper. Recently, we agreed not to participate in a class-action lawsuit to financially shield the company.

Press Democrat Guild Calls on Darius Anderson/SMI and Hearst to Honor Our Contract & Union We are being SOLD!

@steffdaz Thank you! ✊❤️

Congrats, @pdguild!

And a big thank you to @HunterPaniagua of @PacMediaGuild who guided us through every step of the bargaining process and spoke on our behalf at the bargaining table. We appreciate all of your hard work and support!

We will enforce the contract we won and never stop fighting to make our newsrooms the best workplaces they can be. We will also continue to support our colleagues in newsrooms across the country as they fight for fair contracts. So keep following along for updates! #UnionStrong

After more than 9 months of negotiations, The Press Democrat Guild finally has a new contract! Our members voted, with nearly 98% in support, to ratify a 3-year agreement that guarantees raises for every member each year. 1/8