Fewer reporters. And maybe fewer bureaus.

The Portland Press Herald is losing seven journalists – reducing its staff to just 18 reporters – and closing as many as four bureaus in an effort to cut costs.

According to sources at the paper, experienced news people who are departing July 1 under a voluntary termination plan offered by the company earlier this month include Paul Carrier, who staffed the Press Herald’s State House bureau; Kevin Wack, who covered politics; Jonathan Kaplan, the Washington correspondent; as well as general assignment reporters Seth Harkness, Josie Huang and Tess Nacelewicz. In addition, Anne Gleason, who worked out of the York County bureau, has resigned and will not be replaced.

A source said the paper’s offices in Washington, Biddeford and Bath may be permanently closed, with Augusta staffed only intermittently.

Also taking the voluntary exit offer: Alfred Wood, an artist; night city editor, Dave McNabb and a copy editor.
Even with those departures, the company plans more layoffs, to bring the total staff reduction to 35 by July 1.

Al Diamon can be e-mailed at aldiamon@herniahill.com.

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