San Antonio Current lays off 10 staffers in response to coronavirus pandemic

The San Antonio Current laid off 10 employees Wednesday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The publication said the temporary cuts were spread across departments including sales, production, editorial and events. The remaining employees will take a pay cut and cover multiple roles.

“This is absolutely brutal — the worst-case scenario. Never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate this, and we are heartbroken to have to let go of these hardworking and talented people,” publisher Michael Wagner said. “My hope is that in the very near future, we can go back to business as usual.

“Until then, our very small but scrappy staff remains committed to San Antonio, our advertisers and to delivering journalism for the city we love.”

In a statement, the Current — which publishes a free weekly magazine — said that 100 percent of its revenue comes from San Antonians being able to gather in public. The publication hosts a number of events and festivals.

A majority of the Current’s advertisers are ceasing operation as quarantine measures go into effect, the statement said. The publication did not offer a timeline for when it would bring back the laid-off employees.

The alternative media company, founded in 1986, works out of a brightly-colored downtown office at 915 Dallas St.

The Current noted the city of San Antonio will need information during the pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused. The magazine asked supporters for donations to keep the news source in operation.

“It’s a hell of a time for everyone, but we’re up for the challenge and are grateful, dear reader, for your loyalty and support,” the Current said.

Mark Dunphy is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read him on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | [email protected] | @m_b_dunphy