MIAMI -- The Miami Herald announced widespread layoffs Monday, with plans to cut 250 full-time jobs -- 17 percent of the newspaper's workforce.

"As a news company, we have often reported on such transitions in other industries," the newspaper's publisher, David Landsberg, said in a statement. "Now we face the painful reality of severing employment ties with valued friends and colleagues, many of whom have served the company well for many years. We are sorry to do so and will do everything possible to make their transition as smooth as possible."

In a Monday morning memo to employees, the paper said the layoffs would hit every department at the paper and jobs at "every level." Herald reporters, photographers and other staff will be offered voluntary buyouts at first, but eventually the layoffs will be involuntary.

"This is a painful but necessary step," Landsberg said. "We're operating in a time of great change and challenge for our operations."

A slumping economy, downturn in advertising sales at newspapers across the country and the rise of the Internet were all considered factors in the Herald's decision to cut its staff, part of an even bigger restructuring at the Herald's parent company, the McClatchy Co., which announced a 10 percent cut in staff Monday, with plans to layoff 1,700 employees.

Employees at the Herald were invited to a series of staff meetings throughout Monday to learn details of the company's plans, including severance packages and the continuation of benefits for affected employees.