And the hits keep on coming. The latest newspaper to take extreme measures is the Austin American-Statesman, which is offering nearly one quarter of its employees voluntary buyout offers.

"Austin American-Statesman Publisher Jane Williams on Wednesday announced a voluntary separation program that offers up to a year in severance pay for employees at or near retirement age. (snip)

"Austin American-Statesman Publisher Jane Williams on Wednesday announced a voluntary separation program that offers up to a year in severance pay for employees at or near retirement age."

The paper has a total of 740 employees.

 It is a very tough time to be losing your job. Austin resident David Paulin comments:

The problem, according to some readers, is that the paper only catered to half its readers -- the left half.