Political junkies lost three Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists this week when the McClatchy chain issued a round of cuts that it blamed on changing reader trends.
They are Jack Ohman of the Sacramento Bee, Kevin Siers of the Charlotte Observer, and contributor Joel Pett of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
“This is a difficult decision, as it affects two of our talented colleagues, both Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion cartoonists. Each has provided readers with sharp, artful and insightful commentary that holds officials and institutions accountable. We are grateful for their important contributions to journalism and their commitment to excellence,” said the statement from Peter St Onge, McClatchy national opinion editor.
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Siers posted this statement on Facebook this afternoon … pic.twitter.com/lbDgibl6ZE
— The Charlotte Ledger (@CltLedger) July 12, 2023
A spokeswoman said, “Kevin Siers and Jack Ohman were our only two remaining staff cartoonists. Joel Pett left the staff years ago and has been contributing as a freelancer in the years since.”
Ohman won the Pulitzer for editorial cartooning in 2016, Siers in 2014, and Pett in 2000.
On Facebook, Ohman wrote, “Yesterday, I was laid off by McClatchy, for ‘no cause,’ other than they stated they were no longer running opinion cartoons in McClatchy newspapers.”
According to the Daily Cartoonist, an industry newsletter, the chain said in a letter, “We made this decision based on changing reader habits and our relentless focus on providing the communities we serve with local news and information they can’t get elsewhere.”
The bean counters have just fired three of the best cartoonists in the nation. Click here – https://t.co/OfnQGzRY9c – for a rant in support of Pulitzer winners and unemployed commentators #JackOhman @joelpett1 and @KevinSiers and of editorial cartooning in general. No surrender! pic.twitter.com/ikaEW2P4OT
— Mike Peterson (@ComicStripOTD) July 12, 2023
On his Facebook page, Siers posted a photo of a solitary angler.
Award-winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman says he has been laid off by the Sacramento Bee.
Ohman wrote on Facebook he was told McClatchy newspapers “were no longer running opinion cartoons.” pic.twitter.com/qTAJdAoeux
— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) July 12, 2023
Most have side gigs, including syndication. Ohman has also written books, especially about fly fishing, including the popular Fear of Fly Fishing.
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“For the moment, I will be fine and will remain in national syndication with Tribune (Content Agency.) I am pursuing several opportunities and expect I will have something soon. I have nothing but love and respect for ALL of my Sacramento Bee colleagues. I will resume my national cartoons shortly as well,” he said on Facebook.
Daily Cartoonist Contributing Editor Mike Peterson added in a post, “I certainly hope Ohman, Pett and Siers will continue to draw pictures and puncture hot air. The country needs them, even if McClatchy readers will have to go elsewhere to find intelligent, piercing graphic commentary.”