“The Tennessean” Cuts Hit Entertainment Staff

The Tennessean was hit hard today (6/30) by lay-offs, with numerous writers exiting the newsroom of the Nashville publication.

The paper cut Sr. Music Writer Peter Cooper to part-time status. After more than 10 years with the publication, Cooper is one of Nashville’s most respected music journalists. He was recently honored with a Charlie Lamb Award for country music journalism during the International Country Music Conference at Belmont University.

Exiting The Tennessean are entertainment writer Nicole Keiper, and Metromix editor Heather Byrd.

Remaining on board are full-time entertainment writers Cindy Watts and Dave Paulson.

Some sources estimate the number leaving the newsroom to be as high as 20, while the Nashville Post is reporting 14 staffers were affected.

Gannett, owner of The Tennessean, announced plans to cut staff last week, but didn’t reveal who would be exiting. As the second quarter ended today, the staff was notified of the changes.