Knight Ridder to take $ 15 million charge in first half.

WASHINGTON : Knight Ridder, owner of 32 US newspapers, said on Friday it expected to take charges of up to $ 15 million in the first half of this year to pay for 2001 staff cuts.

The San Jose, California-based company reduced its work force by 1,600 through early retirement and buyouts last year, incurring charges of $ 78.5 million in employee severance costs and benefits.

"There was approximately $ 15 million remaining as a liability for the work force reduction plan as of December 30, 2001, the majority of which will be paid in the …