Media Roundup: Gannett Orders One Week Unpaid Leave, Hearst Seeks Ideas About Web Only Operation, and More

Gannett orders one week unpaid leave — CEO Craig Dubow announced a furlough program that asks employees to take one unpaid week off in the first quarter. While not required to cooperate, the company’s unions are asked to also participate. The furlough comes a few months after Gannett cut three percent of all employees. [Source: Editor & Publisher]

Hearst seeks ideas from staff about Web-only operation — The currently-up-for-sale Seattle Post-Intelligencer has asked for employee ideas about how to transform the newspaper into a slim online-only operation. Hearst executives told employees that even if the paper does find a buyer, it would likely cease print production. [Source: Time]

Warner Music Group muted on YouTube — Google has muted YouTube videos of Warner Music artists in response to the record company pulling out of a revenue sharing deal. Currently, many Warner artists’ videos have messages warning that the audio violates copyright. The muting appears to be an ongoing process as some Warner tracks still play sound. The muting is just the latest effect of the canceled YouTube revenue sharing deal, Warner and the other major labels have since announced they are developing a competing music video Web site. [Source: Epicenter]

Google shuts down several services — Along with announcing layoffs, the search giant shuttered six of its less successful online products. The products: Dodgeball, Jaiku, Mashup Editor, Google Video, Google Notebook and Google Catalog Search. While Dodgeball and Jaiku were acquisitions, the other services were developed internally. [Source: VentureBeat]

Jobs takes break, lawsuits may follow — Apple’s stock plummeted yesterday on news that CEO Steve Jobs is taking a six month leave of absence to focus on his health. Because the announcement comes a week after the stock saw a bump when Jobs reassured investors his health was not an issue, lawsuits may be filed alleging the company deceived shareholders. [Source: Silicon Alley Insider]

ABC expands online player — ABC.com is expanding its online full episode player to include more daytime programming. The View and General Hospital will have the five most recent episodes available for streaming online. ABC currently offers 15 primetime shows for online viewing. [Source: paidContent]