Bergmann out as Asbury Park Press editorial page editor

The latest casualty in New Jersey journalism is Randy Bergmann, who has been laid off from his position as editorial page editor of the Asbury Park Press.

Bergmann, who has been with the newspaper since 2002, is the second local editorial page editor to lose his job in as many days as part of a massive round of layoffs from Gannett.   Bruce Lowry, the editorial page editor of The (Bergen) Record, was ousted on Monday.

Few details exist concerning Gannett layoffs, since newspaper executives have repeatedly declined comment.

Bergmann’s name has already been removed from the Asbury Park Press’ online masthead.

Gannett, which operates ten daily newspapers in New Jersey, has laid off at least nine journalists since last week.

Gannett stock, which had dropped to .64 cents per share on April 7, is now trading at .90 cents per share.  That marks an increase of more than 25% since the company began layoffs last Friday.

The move comes four weeks after Gannett began furloughing employees due to the economic effects of the deadly coronavirus.

Gannett Statehouse bureau chief John McAlpin is on furlough this week, along with columnist Charlie Stile and reporter Ashley Balcerzak.

Last summer, GateHouse Media acquired Gannett for $12.06 a share.  The deal was structured to include a massive debt that would require hundreds of millions in cuts to pay back a $1.2 billion loan that was part of the deal to keep them afloat.

Paul D’Ambrosio, the executive editor of the Asbury Park Press, did not immediately respond to a 2:10 PM email seeking comment.