SF Chronicle Cuts Deal With Hearst

Two quick updates for those watching the demise of American newspapers. First, the 146-year-old Seattle Post-Intelligencer will publish its last print edition tomorrow. After that, it will be published online only. Hearst failed to find a buyer after putting the P-I up for sale in January. The P-I will be the largest daily to convert into a solely digital format, leaving Seattle with just one print newspaper, the Seattle Times.

Another Hearst property, the San Francisco Chronicle, appears to be safe... for now. One of the Chronicle's two employee guilds has reached an agreement with Hearst that will allow the paper to continue publishing both in print and online. Guild members (which include the Chronicle's editorial, art, and marketing staff) voted 333-33 to accept terms that will result in at least 150 layoffs and buyouts. The terms will also reduce sick and vacation time and lengthen the standard workweek, but will secure "up to a year's pay and healthcare" for those who are forced out. The agreement is the result of 10 days of negotiations, with guild members suggesting various proposals to reduce layoffs such as employee ownership.