Portland on-line writer Digital Traits lays off greater than a dozen journalists

Portland tech information website Digital Traits laid off greater than a dozen individuals Wednesday and minimize ties with an unspecified variety of freelance writers, the newest on-line writer to chop again in the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

Based in 2006, Digital Traits posts tech information and product critiques on its web site. Wednesday’s cuts seem to signify half of Digital Traits’ editorial workers, together with its information division, its online game editor, its audio-visual editor and the host and crew of the positioning’s day by day dwell present.

Digital Traits additionally laid off personnel working for its Spanish-language website and a males’s way of life website it runs referred to as The Handbook. Enterprise journalism website Speaking Biz Information first reported the layoffs.

Digital Traits didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark however workers took to Twitter to acknowledge their very own layoffs and commend their colleagues.

“There are a number of proficient writers and journalists at Digital Traits and it’s actually unlucky that the corporate determined to half methods with such a proficient workers,” stated Mathew Katz, a Portland journalist who had been Digital Traits’ related managing editor.

Laid-off workers indicated Wednesday’s cuts got here with no advance discover and that Digital Traits minimize off entry to laptop advantages and well being advantages instantly.

“It’s very unlucky and angers me fairly a bit that they minimize off everybody’s medical insurance instantly, particularly throughout a pandemic,” Katz stated.

In June, Digital Traits apologized for perpetuating a “bro tradition” throughout the firm that “failed essential voices together with ladies and folks of coloration amongst our workers.”

The writer was responding to an worker outcry over an absence of range and sensitivity throughout the firm. Employees cited a collection of incidents, together with a 2018 “Gin and Juice” celebration by which a white govt mimicked hip-hop tradition by dressing in a black hat, bandanna and white T-shirt, standing earlier than a poster of graffiti whereas holding a bottle wrapped in a paper bag.

That govt, chief working officer Chris Carlson, remained with the corporate even after the June apology. Some present and former workers stated the shortage of change on the prime of the group prompted them to doubt Digital Traits was honest in regards to the change.

It doesn’t seem Wednesday’s layoffs had been associated to the corporate’s tradition, although. Many on-line media websites have minimize jobs this 12 months, undermined by the troublesome promoting market created by the pandemic.

In Oregon, many regional publications minimize workers hours or pay early within the pandemic. There have been fewer cuts in current months, although, amid indicators the trade has stabilized amid a stronger-than-expected financial system.

The Oregonian Media Group, which printed The Oregonian and OregonLive, advised workers this month that it’ll finish non permanent pay cuts instituted final spring as its enterprise begins to get well.

— Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway |