Rocky used Twitter to report its closure
The Rocky
Published February 27, 2009 at 3:34 a.m.
When Scripps CEO Rich Boehne announced he was closing the Rocky Mountain News, we used Twitter to report the event live. Comments were copied and pasted from Twitter. You will need to read them in reverse order, starting at the bottom of the page. They are unedited.
Gov. Bill Ritter just walked into the newsroom. One editor's joke, "State jobs for everybody!" Ritter laughed. We applauded.
about 4 hours ago from TweetDeck
Thanks to all the kind words from people in the Twitter community. I'll post in the newsroom so people can read. Regards. Mike Noe
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
The meeting has broken up. Many are crowding into the conference room to see the first Rocky.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
"Thank you everybody for everything you done for this newspaper. It's been a pleasure to work with you. Thank you." Temple
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple: We're printing 50 percent more papers for tomorrow.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple: "We've had a very beautiful thing here. You realize it when you start losing it. It's torturous how I feel."
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple invites everyone to go to conference room to see the first edition of the Rocky Mountain News.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Kevin Vaughn won in feature writing for story, Crevasse. http://bit.ly/tGd5f
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Huge applause. Deadly Denial covered Department of Energy's treatment of sick government nuclear workers. You can find it on the site.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple announces Best of Scripps award to reporter Laura Frank and photographer Manzano for their work on series Deadly Denial.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple: "Our Sports section was named one of the best in the nation." Huge applause.
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Temple stops discussion. Time to turn to producing an excellent paper to remember. "We need to turn our attention to that."
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Contreras says that agreement couldn't be reached.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras says for Rocky to continue as online-only product , the partner in the JOA - Dean Singleton's Denver Post - would have to agree.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Question: Why not start an online-only edition. Contreras: If we thought we could do that, we would not be here today.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: "You are the model of what a great newspaper should be. It's a tragedy for the industry that you disappear."
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: "We intend to stay in the game."
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: "The E.W. Scripps company is designed to be a journalism and news company but that business must change. "
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporter: "Should this experience sour us on continuing in the business or at Scripps?"
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras: We've got to move mightily to change the model. "You'll see a lot of changes in '09.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Question about the possible demise of San Francisco Chronicle.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Mark Contreras: There is no paper in Scripps that we hold in higher regard than the journalism at the Rocky.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Employee: "Does Dean Singleton walk away with the whole pie?" Boehne: Post is unprofitable.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
The Rocky Mountain News started publication on April 23, 1859.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple says Denver Public Library Western History Collection has brought the original edition of the Rocky Mountain News for us to see.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne responds, "I guess that means we're good guys."
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne says Denver has not been a money-making venture for Scripps since 1926. Reporter retorts "What does that say about Scripps?"
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: Bottom line is that Scripps has been around 130 years and intends to be around another 130. But it requires tough decisions.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Another reporter asks Boehne if he thinks it's a leadership problem on Scripps part that they're closing papers.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporter asks when Scripps will stop closing papers. Contreras says all papers were JOA papers.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne says Singleton has more optimistic view of future for Denver newspaper than Scripps.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras says the straw that broke the camel's back was producing two newspapers.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne says Scripps and Media News would have to cut both Rocky and Post newsrooms in half then get concessions.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Questions from copy editors: "Why didn't you just come to us and ask us to take a pay cut."
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Questions about a serious buyer: Boehne says there was one person but didn't have the resources to purchase the Rocky.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
To clarify, RockyMountainNews.com will still exist on web for a period of time. However, it will not be updated after tomorrow.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
People are asking if they can buy their computer equipment. Temple says the company has to determine who owns it, Scripps or DNA.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Some Rocky employees have friends and relatives at the Camera.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Some questions about the Boulder Daily Camera, another property co-owned by Scripps and Media News Group, the Post's owner.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
People are asking to keep their cell phone numbers.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne points out the Rocky Mountain News is still for sale. Company name, web site name will be available.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple says it's not known how long the site will be available long term.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
Deadly Denial, Beyond the Boom, Final Salute, Columbine coverage. All will be there.
about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck
People ask when the web site be shut down. Temple says it will not be shut down. Tomorrow's RockyMountainNews.com will commemorate history
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Questions about COBRA continuation of health insurance
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
The only employees left at the Rocky Mountain News after Friday will be staff of administrative services office.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras is explaining federal Warren Act that guarantees employees will be paid and receive health benefits.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
People are worried about losing company cell phones and email. Both will be turned off tomorrow.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporters are asking if Scripps will give historical severance that it has given in past layoffs.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras tells reporters that Scripps is coming into negotiations "with good intentions. We want a good, fair outcome."
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
The big question is what about reporters' severance formula.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
The newsroom seems a little more light-hearted than this morning's announcement.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple announces tomorrow is everybody's last day. All equipment is due back. Parking passes, employee credit cards, badges are all due
...
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
CEO Rich Boehne says company will be working with Newspaper Guild to discuss severance.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Editor John Temple is explaining what he can about benefits. Rocky staff will be paid for next 60 days.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
First question: Reporter cracks, "Do we know anything yet?" Everybody laughs.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
John Temple has been addressing the newsroom every Thursday at 4:30. Today, Mark Contreras, VP of Newspaper Division and Scripps CEO are
...
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Coming to you from one of the last newsroom-wide meetings at the Rocky.
about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck
Managing editor telling story about one of her first days in newsroom around Halloween. Huge copy editor walking around dressed like Zoro.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporters have started sending out emails to the newsroom with personal contact info. Important to keep in touch once we lose RMN email.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporters will be tweeting from the official press conference Scripps will be giving shortly.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
It's strange to cover your own funeral.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
Newsroom atmosphere: Designers are huddled around white boards, looking at story assignments. Editors are huddled with reporters.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
People are worried about their futures but the focus is still on the paper and web site.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
You'll be able to see video from the announcement shortly at RockyMountainNews.com. More video and photos will follow later.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
In news meeting, puffy-eyed Managing Editor is handing out assignments. The conference room is quiet but everyone is engaged.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
The newsroom meeting is over. Editors are planning the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News.
about 10 hours ago from TweetDeck
If you want to follow other Rocky reporters' twitter, search "RMN_"
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Thank you everyone. It's been fun.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
If you want to share your thoughts about the Rocky Mountain News, visit the following site http://bit.ly/7a2Qh
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
DNA will print extra copies tomorrow for readers.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple tells reporters that a lot of stories they've been working on will not see the light of day.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple urges staff to produce a paper they can be proud of.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
52 pages of the best of the Rocky Mountain News will hit news boxes and our subscribers front porches tomorrow.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Tomorrow's Rocky Mountain News will be a commemorative edition. Will definitely be worth keeping.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Feels a bit like a funeral in here.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple: "We have one last shot to produce a great newspaper. Let's show people what we can do." Like playing music at your own funeral.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Temple thanks staff and says working with this staff has been "a fantastic experience."
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: "We are deeply sorry." Reporter says in background, "Pay my mortgage."
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
One reporter joked quietly about throwing a shoe at Scripps execs.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporter Laura Frank jokes she almost slid off a mountain on Tuesday to get a story for the Rocky's Saturday edition. "One more day?"
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Justice oversees joint operating agreement with Denver Post.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Staff member asking about filing for injunction with Justice Department to halt this closure. Boehne said they worked with Justice.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne points out that other markets sought protection of courts but implied other part of partnership - Singleton - didn't want that.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne predicts times will continue to get worse for metro papers. Newspapers in general.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporter points out that Dean Singleton, owner of the Post, is in worse financial shape than Scripps. Boehne responds ask Singleton.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: I guess we could have cut both newsrooms in half to make it profitable. Didn't make much sense.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Tears filling many eyes. A lot of frustration from people who have poured their lives into this organization.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Many people in Twitter community expressing dismay that Colorado's oldest paper -- older than the state itself -- is closing.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
The Rocky will not continue updating the web site beyond tomorrow. Twitter and Flickr included. There will be no one here to do it.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Photographers and videographers are shooting photos and videos. Look for more coverage later today.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Reporters are grilling company officials the same as they grill government officials. Very professional.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Tomorrow is the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Rocky Mountain News name and web site are for sale - Boehne.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: We continue to own intellectual property Rocky Mountain News and its archives. Our goal is Rocky's archives open to anybody.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Applause from room about not having to fill out clunky ADP time card system.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
There is a lot of emotion in the newsroom.
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Last paychecks employees get will be May 8.
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Subscribers? Boehne says subscribers will get other paper (Denver Post). Contreras says DNA will have to figure it out.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Editor John Temple: Tomorrow will be last day of work for Rocky employees.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras: Go out and find jobs but company will still pay salaries for 60 days.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: This economy can swamp companies. Take companies down.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: This economy is like nothing we have ever experienced. "This moment is like I've ever been through."
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Boehne: 50 percent partnership of the Denver Newspaper Agency will be rolled into however DNA is restructured.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras: Federal government requires 60 day period where Rocky employees will be paid. Union agreement bars them from discussing severence about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Contreras: Where we are today, it (the Rocky) is unsustainable.
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
As they looked at it, they couldn't figure out how to get out ahead of debt. Ultimately, they had to protect the other Scripps propertiesl.
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Boehne: We could only work within the constraints we have
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Question from newsroom employee: What discussions did company have for a different model to sustain the Rocky Mountain News?
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All Rocky employees will be considered active employees by Scripps until April 28.
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Contreras: how a metro newspaper makes it's money in 2009 is drastically different from how it did 10 years ago.
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Mark Contreras, vp of the Scripps newspaper division says the Rocky has been on top of American journalism
about 11 hours ago from TweetDeck
Scripps CEO Rich Boehne just announced the last edition of the Rocky Mountain News will be tomorrow, Feb. 27.
about 11 hours ago from web
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February 27, 2009
9:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
milehighman writes:
So long RMN. I grew up with you and I'm losing a life long friend. You will be missed more than you will know.
I was helping Gene Tepper a couple months ago and found a stack of 100th anniversary RMN papers and special 100th anniversary RMS commemorative books. Wow, have times have changed in the last 150 years. This is the end of an era, thank you for being there through all of it.
I wish all of your former employees the best of luck in these difficult times.
Rest in peace old friend, rest in peace. If I had only known that last Saturday was going to be our last cup of joe together, I would have dress nicer.
February 27, 2009
9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
skleepit writes:
For crying out loud has everybody gone brain dead? It is the natural selection of a free market at work. Let it work, these people will either find a new positon at another paper or move on and find new employment at a new vocation. It really is that simple. If our moronic a-holes in Washington would only allow the market to work nationally we wouldn't be doing this rediculous "stimulus" package. Which is being decietfully presented to us to be a benifet, but is nothing more than the left moving forward with their social engineering agenda. Just look at what we are paying for, the vast majority of the "package" is for social programs, entitlement programs and artsy-fartsy projects. these do nothing to stimulate our economy. Contrarily they exacerbate the problem! Call, write, scream at your representatives!! They are only "working" the system for "their own gains". Trust noone in the political system.
February 27, 2009
10:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
skleepit - Amen!
February 27, 2009
11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
law1 writes:
Skleepit-save it until when you lose your job. Until then, "the market" otherwise known as a panick stricken mob, is closing newspapers. People will be less informed, so we are sad about a loss of information. That loss of information will have broad affect, including the decisions "the market" is making.
February 27, 2009
12:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
milehighman writes:
Who do I contact to buy the name and web site?
February 27, 2009
12:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
spunkymj writes:
So long RMN. You will be missed
February 28, 2009
4:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
toddmccalla writes:
I guess its cool they used Twitter but still sad.
http://www.vailco.com/vail-transporta...
March 5, 2009
6:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
mojave writes:
Why, good grief to you have his subject on the internet for weeks. That is really an unknown to be and takes up 2 columns space for other news. So Twitter was involved in this mess, but to keep on going suggests to me me that you have no other relevant information to present to us, the readers of the news. Please update your your thinking and get on with with the program. Who cares about Twitter, the business is over, can't you see that.
Be gone with this trivial stuff, what happened has happened, let
us move on to more relevant issues, or you may be the next on the chomping block.
Get smart and quit repeating the same old info., that we know about, please break the journalistic dogma and get up to speed