The layoff is another reduction in corporate journalism in Montana. It also represents a loss of institutional knowledge and journalism mentoring and leadership for Lee Enterprises.

Since June, Lee has lost at least 70 years of journalism experience in Montana by laying off Chaney and losing two other longtime journalists through voluntary departures.

In the last four years, Chaney served as managing editor at the Missoulian and statewide enterprise editor. He pulled in tens of thousands of dollars of grant support for multiple reporters’ projects.

“It has been a fantastic run,” Chaney said in a social media post Friday announcing the layoff. “And I have many miles to go. Hang tough.”

Former Missoulian reporter and city editor Michael Moore weighed in on Chaney and Lee Enterprises.

“That’s outrageous, though not surprising,” Moore said. “You were a fabulous colleague and I’m sure you will be again! Lee Enterprises, of course, is NOT fabulous.”