Oregonian lays of 45 journalists, then posts job opening

The Oregonian’s new media company Oregon Media Group (OMG, its acronym is OMG) is hiring. The second thing listed after “a sold understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics and story structure …” is “mastery of social media and digital interaction.” That comes before the ability to work on deadline (which comes in at number four.

This listing comes only days after The O is reported to have laid off 95 staffers, including 45 from the newsroom. Willamette Week reports that Scott Learn, the enviroment reporter who has been heavily covering the coal controversy, and Eric Mortenson on the forest and ag beat are among the layoffs. Sports reporters, community reporters and arts journalists are among those axed. WW has been listing the layoffs as names come in on its blog.

Music critic Ryan White, who was among the layoffs last week, pointed out on Twitter that the paper is already advertising for a new music critic.

On the postive side, the website name “MyDigitalO,” which has led to speculation on just how one achieves a “digital O” has been axed.

Media pundits say this layoff and hiring strategy is in keeping with other Advance papers that lay off more expensive experienced journalists for new, cheaper and younger ones. The ad makes clear what its focus is:

“While we value experience, talent is the pivotal factor, and we are proactive about professional development, whether you are a 10-year veteran or just starting your journalistic career. One way or the other, you will report on a variety of topics, including maintaining live blogs, tweeting, shooting video and otherwise engaging audiences across multiple platforms.”

One of the jobs listed is for “advertorial.”

Here’s the job listing.