The struggling flagship print publication of the Gannett Co., USA Today, offered buyouts and early retirement packages that a number of the paper’s book coverage staffers have taken, including Carol Memmott and Deirdre Donahue. A spokesperson for the paper told PW, though, that it remains committed to book coverage moving forward.
After contacting the paper inquiring how book coverage will now be handled, the spokesperson offered the following statement: "While we’re sorry to lose Deirdre and Carol, USA Today's commitment to books coverage remains unwavering. Later this year we’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of our famous book list with a host of new coverage, both print and online. Books editor Jocelyn McClurg and reviewer Bob Minzesheimer remain committed to books coverage and, with senior editors, will be actively recruiting new book reviews both inside the staff and outside."
