When it comes to media companies looking to save money, the trick they like to use is offering longtime (i.e, higher paid employees) a buyout.

But what happens if you say no to the buyout?

Well, it becomes a layoff.

KNBC Investigator Phil Drechsler found that out.

Bottom-line, buyouts are layoffs, they are just dressed up to look a bit nicer, but it really is the same thing.