Tribune Outsources TribLocal Content

Most TribLocal staffers will lose their jobs as the Tribune Company outsources TribLocal's content and production, the publisher announced Monday.

Some reporters will be reassigned to suburban bureaus. A company called Journatic will be taking over responsibility for content and production of TribLocal over the next three months.

In the southwest suburbs, TribLocal has websites that cover Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Lemont and Woodridge communities, among others.

The Tribune Company shared information about the move Monday in a news story following a meeting with TribLocal staff:

"The majority of TribLocal's 40 staffers will lose their jobs during the transition, with 11 of 18 reporters reassigned to provide beefed-up coverage for the Chicago Tribune's suburban bureaus. Most of TribLocal's copy editors, designers and web producers were given notice Monday morning, and their jobs will be phased out as Journatic begins to oversee local content during a rolling conversion."

Journatic writers earn about $2 to $4 per story, or $12 an hour, according to its latest job postings.

Tribune Editor Gerould Kern says the newspaper is investing in Journatic because the company believes this is a more efficient way to provide "hyperlocal" content.

Journatic was founded in 2006 by Brian Timpone, according to its website. It also operates blockshopper.com, a real estate website.

You can see more of the Tribune's announcement on ChicagoTribune.com.