Sunset magazine seeks to reshape its staff Sunset magazine seeks to reshape its staff (June 22, 2005)

** Buyout package would allow magazine to bring new creativity to editorial department, says executive.

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

This week officials at Menlo Park-based Sunset magazine will learn which of its more than 50 editorial employees will accept an early-retirement offer.

The voluntary retirement package was proposed two weeks ago. It was supposed to be an "in house" matter until it was reported in the June 14 issue of the San Jose Mercury News, according to Kevin Lynch, a Sunset Publications vice president.

"We're not doing this as a cost savings. Sunset is a very profitable and very healthy publication," said Mr. Lynch.

He said he sees the offer as an opportunity to restructure the staff and "support those who are passionate about helping Katie fulfill her mission."

Katie Tamony, who is in her mid-30s, has been Sunset's editor for the past four years.

Mr. Lynch said readers would like to see a fresher look in the publication's design and that new employees could bring creativity to the magazine.

Some members of Sunset's editorial staff have been with the magazine for 30 years or more, back to the days when Sunset was published by L.W. "Bill" Lane of Portola Valley and Melvin Lane of Atherton. The Lanes sold Sunset Publications to Time Warner 15 years ago.

Technically the proposal doesn't mean early retirement, but rather "enhanced incentives, based on tenure," said Mr. Lynch. It could appeal to a staff member thinking about starting a family, an editor trying to find time to write a book, or an employee interested in making a career change, he said.

The package would be based on current salary and years of tenure. Could a 25-year-old take advantage of the offer? "Yes, but he'd only get about $16," said Mr. Lynch with a laugh. At this point, he said, magazine management has no idea how many employees will take the offer. It could be a just a few.

Staff size will not decrease, said Mr. Lynch, but it is hoped the proposal "could bring in new blood."

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