Virginia newspaper offering buyouts to workers

The publisher of The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk is offering buyouts to workers that could result in a nearly 10 percent reduction in the paper's workforce.

The newspaper reports that employees with 25 years or more are receiving the buyout offer. Layoffs will follow if the buyout does not attract enough volunteers.

Publisher Pat Richardson said 70 people qualify for the buyout, and the paper expects a reduction of less than 10 percent from its current workforce of 543.

The paper is also considering outsourcing its news design work, and expects to implement earlier deadlines for the print edition.

Newspaper executives say the cuts are required as print revenue continues to decline.

Like many papers, the Pilot workforce has declined significantly. In 2008, it employed more than 1,250 workers.