Gloom Watch: ClearChannel Layoffs, Johnston Pay Freeze

ClearChannel: A clear sign the economy is hurting advertising. The ad placer’s outdoor division is axing 80 of its 850 UK staff to put it in “a strong position to face the market challenges”, MediaWeek reports.

Johnston Press: The troubled Scotsman publisher is joining Trinity Mirror (LSE: TNI) and Newsquest in issuing a pay freeze, the NUJ tells Press Gazette. The publisher is currently cutting its massive debts and is amongst the most exposed to the local classifieds malaise, though the union has blamed “corporate failure”.