Both the national broadcaster, the ABC, and News Corp have announced further redundancies in the wake of budget cuts and, in News’ case, a downturn in ad revenue bought on by CV-19.
Following week’s news it would stop printing 100 of its regional titles in favour of digital-only models, News has now turned its attention to its metropolitan and national newsrooms.
Yesterday, News bosses confirmed that production and editorial would be syndicated across multiple newspapers resulting in dozens of job losses, including advertising roles. It’s believed Sydney’s Daily Telegraph and Melbourne’s The Herald Sun will be most affected.
Its national broadsheet The Australian will also be impacted by “a small number” of redundancies, however, it is not expected to share content with other News titles. It has been reported that The Oz will also cut contributors and contributor payments.
Commenting on the redundancies, a News spokesperson said: “At a local level our focus is on developing our successful community news coverage approach. At a state and national level, we are going to better coordinate and harness our considerable journalist talent across Australia.
“Consequently, we’re establishing a new specialist sports newsroom, a group of senior and specialist national news reporters, the NewsWire news service and a production centre of excellence to streamline production processes to bring together our most senior and talented production staff.”
Meanwhile, over at the ABC, bosses have announced 200 jobs will go as part of its five-year restructure plan bought on by the federal government’s three-year funding freeze of the public broadcaster that will cut $84 million in revenues from its bottom line.
Yesterday, it was announced that those employed in the content division, which includes news, analysis and investigations, entertainment and regional and local programs, and in the production and content technology department would be able to volunteer for redundancies.
Commenting on the move, ABC’s managing director David Anderson said: “We have decided to provide employees in divisions where it is anticipated that more than 10 redundancies will be required with an opportunity to express an interest in redundancy.
“This is a preliminary process only, to help shape those divisions’ change plans. Expressing an interest in a redundancy will not automatically mean that an employee will get one, that remains at the discretion of the ABC.
“This has been an arduous year already for all of us and I’m conscious of how many of you must be feeling right now given the uncertainty across our industry and the broader economy. The work of all of you throughout the challenges we have faced together this year has been outstanding and your patience and professionalism are, as always, greatly appreciated,” Anderson said.
