Publisher’s Statement: TransWorld Layoffs

rob campbell

• April 01 2009
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We’ve had to report on a lot of layoffs over the past six months. Unfortunately, those stories usually involved friends and great people we’ve had close working relationships with for years. Today, the news hits especially close to home.

TransWorld has eliminated eight positions within the company. Departments affected are TransWorld Business, Transworld Surf, TransWorld Skateboarding sales, marketing, and finance. More specifically, TransWorld Business lost two editors.

We’ve maintained that reporting bad news (even layoffs) is important to provide our readers with a clear picture of what’s taking place in the industry. We’ve also made efforts to get as many details from companies as possible when that news breaks. So in the name of “practicing what we preach,” I’ve provided as much detail as is legally possible.

Earlier today, Group Publisher Liam Ferguson addressed the staff in Carlsbad, explaining that the worldwide recession, and a downward trend in media spending, were factors in reducing the workforce by a small percentage.

“Collectively, all our departments have participated in significant cost cutting measures before we looked at our most prized asset, the TransWorld family,” said Ferguson. “We are making these tough decisions now to support the long term stability of TransWorld and insure we remain the number one Leader in Action Sports Media for many years to come.”

To be blunt, these situations suck. Like many other business leaders across the industry, from Bob McKnight to the smallest independent shop owners, we’ve been forced to make hard decisions for the long-term success of our business. After all, we don’t just report on this industry, we’re a part of it. And TransWorld Business will continue to be a critical part for everyone trying to get through these tough times.