A few months after “Creative Loafing” changed its longstanding weekly print edition to a monthly format, the publication announced another major change: It has eliminated multiple staff positions and “returned to its roots working with a full complement of freelance writers and columnists,” a Wednesday statement said.
“Creative Loafing” reduced three editorial staff positions to freelance/contributing editor positions and eliminated four positions in sales and marketing, the alternative publication said. The statement did not say how many full-time staffers remain.
“We’ve had a nice run with a staff driven model and needed to finally say goodbye to an era that is likely gone,” said the son of the original owner, CEO Ben Eason, who repurchased the brand early this year.
The publication will expand its pool of contributors, renew its commitment to Atlanta’s music scenes and unveil a new website in January, according to the statement.
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The change in staff was described as a shift “toward a business development focus and away from a direct sales mindset.”
“These changes are necessary to keep us healthy as we move our business more aggressively into the future,” said publisher Sharry Smith.
As the news broke, many took to Twitter to post about their connections to the publication.
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