And the hits keep on coming. The latest newspaper to take extreme measures is the Austin American-Statesman, which is offering nearly one quarter of its employees voluntary buyout offers. "Austin American-Statesman Publisher Jane Williams on Wednesday announced a voluntary separation program that offers up to a year in severance pay for employees at or near retirement age. (snip) "Austin American-Statesman Publisher Jane Williams on Wednesday announced a voluntary separation program that offers up to a year in severance pay for employees at or near retirement age." The paper has a total of 740 employees.  It is a very tough time to be losing your job. Austin resident David Paulin comments: The problem, according to some readers, is that the paper only catered to half its readers -- the left half.(Read Full Post)