Pros

Even with all the bad news about the newspaper industry, this paper is staffed by reporters that really want to do the best job possible. Editors don't offer much in the way of hand holding. If you do a good job, the story goes into the paper. If not, it doesn't. You should be able to produce quality material. Your colleagues are dedicated, enjoy that. And most younger reporters see it as a jumping off point for the NYT.

Cons

Pay has not increased for union jobs in a very long time. It has not kept pace with inflation, let alone raises or bonuses. Management has gotten bonuses in the past, but as that's a pretty hush-hush process, it's hard to say who, what and how much. Reporters want facts, and those aren't available.
The climate of fear increases daily.

Advice to Senior Management

Put out the best paper you can. Forget focus groups, it's a waste of money and time. Realize circulation is shrinking and make the hard decision, will 100,000 readers fork out $3.00 for a paper with less ads and more hard news?
Find out who and why the work is done, and compliment those who do the job, not those take up space in the newsroom and alienate everyone around them.