Hundreds Get Layoff Notices At Booth Newspapers

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) - Approximately 550 people have received layoff notices as Michigan's Booth Newspapers makes a transition to two new companies.

MLive Media Group President Dan Gaydou says the number of employees represents 45 percent of the 1,200 workers in the state. The two-month notices are required under federal law.

But Gaydou is encouraging employees to apply for new jobs at MLive Media and Advanced Central Services Michigan. He says more than 200 so far have been posted in sales, marketing technology, editing and reporting.

The digital-first media companies are taking over operations for Booth newspapers in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Jackson, Flint, Bay City, Saginaw and Kalamazoo; AnnArbor.com; the Advance Weeklies; and Mlive.com.

The changes at Booth Newspapers were announced Nov. 2 and take effect Feb. 2.

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