A good omen: the Rocky Mountain News' refrigerator-cleaning schedule

Many folks at the Rocky Mountain News have been downbeat about the paper's chances for long-term survival ever since it was put up for sale by E.W. Scripps. But those in charge of keeping the Rocky's offices tidy displayed a lot more optimism in an e-mail about a new cost-saving...

By Michael Roberts

January 22, 2009

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Many folks at the Rocky Mountain News have been downbeat about the paper's chances for long-term survival ever since it was put up for sale by E.W. Scripps. But those in charge of keeping the Rocky's offices tidy displayed a lot more optimism in an e-mail about a new cost-saving measure that was sent to the tabloid's newsroomers and other occupants of the Denver Newspaper Agency building earlier this week. Here's the note:

From: Roberts, Randall Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 3:04 PM To: RMN Editorial Group Subject: FW: 2009 Refrigerator cleaning schedule

Hello - The refrigerator cleaning schedule has been reduced to six times per year in 2009. The following schedule will be posted on all units to be cleaned:

Last Friday of every other month beginning in January:

January 30 March 27 May 29 July 31 September 25 November 27

Thank you and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Stephanie

Stephanie B. Chavez Cushman & Wakefield The Denver Newspaper Agency Building 101 W. Colfax Avenue, #106 Denver, CO 80202

If the Rocky still has refrigerators on November 27, everyone involved will be thrilled. Except maybe the people who'll have to clean them after two months instead of one...

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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