Shortsighted Leadership Manning a Sinking Ship - Anonymous employee Press Democrat Employee Review

1.0
Apr 25, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many of the people are wonderful at this company. Being paid to work in the news industry. Helping provide news coverage and advertising to the local community and small businesses of Sonoma County.

Cons

Profoundly ignorant and ill-considered decisions from middle/upper management. Sometimes it feels like the people making the calls aren’t smart enough to understand the decisions they are making or how they will impact the company and it’s workers, let alone their bottom line. Unethical treatment of workers and horrible work-life balance. Many people work through lunches and breaks here, or come in early and stay late (without pay) just to keep up with the ridiculous and unrealistic demands of management. There is no room for honest discussion about the things that are not working because to do so, would mean risking one’s job and being perceived as “Not a team player.” They are robbing themselves of solutions by creating an environment where workers feel disinvested in the company. These same workers, if given respect, trust, and appreciation would be the source of many solutions. Irelivant and stodgy content. The writers and advertising staff are capable of so much more, but the culture of the company and management are keeping them locked into this obsolete model of business, that completely fails to connect with modern audiences. The company culture is very cliquish. Cronyism is a very big thing here. Broken and obsolete computer systems that will NEVER be upgraded. “Live with it.” Is the message from management. Nevermind the fact that investing in a system that worked would not only make the employees happier and less stressed, it would increase productivity, and make the clients happier as well. Until these things are fixed, clients will always have billing issues. It feels dirty having to lie about the root causes of these problems when you know why they are happening, and know that they will continue to happen in the future.

Explore other reviews about Press Democrat

5.0
Nov 17, 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendly people, very welcoming company culture. Quality local journalism and Pulitzer prize winning newsroom. Genuinely committed to diversity & inclusion initiatives. Flexibility with regard to schedule and remote work.

Cons

None come to mind. Company is doing a good job navigating the shift to a more digital audience.

1.0
Mar 17, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Zero. Zilch. None. Nothing. Blank.

Cons

Constant layoffs and a sloppy buy out which the employees were uninformed of ruined morale. Office was a nightmare prior to that. Controller is absolutely nuts and will email you 40 times between 2am and 9am. Terrible pay. Terrible (and expensive) benefits. 5 paid holidays. No raises in over 5 years not even a COL increase.

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