The UK’s largest regional publisher Reach plc has announced that 450 positions will be eliminated across the country, including 320 journalism roles – one-eighth of its entire editorial workforce.
This move represents the third major round of cutbacks at Reach this year, following the loss of 102 editorial roles in January and an additional 192 positions in March.
Yesterday, employees were confronted with distressing news delivered by chief executive Jim Mullen, who indicated changes would be made to “the way we operate, the way we’re structured, and the way we’re meeting the challenges facing our industry.”
Chief digital publisher David Higgerson told staff that impacted journalists would be approached by “local leaders”.
His message provided insights into new working hours, plans to merge all digital and print content teams, and establishing a unified production and video hub for both editorial and commercial divisions.
He said they would be ceasing activities that “no longer resonate with readers.”
Decline in revenue
The decision follows a decline in digital advertising revenues over the year, largely due to algorithm adjustments that have led to the devaluation of news content.
In his message, Higgerson expressed that the current trading environment represents the “most challenging period for commercially-funded journalism” since he entered the industry in 1997.
It read: ‘The impact we’re seeing is significant, and we can only expect further change to come.’ He highlighted the BBC’s expansion of its online journalism operations as a potential factor that could alter the media landscape.
Higgerson underlined the necessity to adapt to the evolving industry, ensuring that the company remains resilient and continues to produce high-quality printed products while prioritising the cultivation of new relationships with online audiences.
Challenging period
The National Union of Journalists voiced its dismay at the announcement. National organiser Laura Davison stressed the importance of ensuring the best possible outcomes for employees during this challenging period and urged Reach to engage meaningfully with its workforce.
While further details of the restructuring are yet to be disclosed, Mullen stated that these changes would “sustain our print products while enabling us to pursue a greater digital audience.”
