A regional publisher has announced a round of cutbacks which are likely to see around 15 job losses.
The Midland News Association, publisher of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, has confirmed it is seeking reductions in its production, sub-editing and newsdesk staff, although reporting roles likely to be unaffected.
As part of the changes, the Shropshire Star will revert from four editions to three, although the E&S will retain its five-edition structure.
The company is hoping the staff reductions can be achieved through voluntary redundancies.
An MNA spokesman said: “We are currently in discussions on an individual basis with a number of staff in areas where we are looking to make efficiencies.
“We are hopeful the process will not involve compulsory redundancies. It is hoped the changes will be made early in 2017.”
An internal staff document, which has been seen by HTFP, reveals that print revenues at the MNA are around 10pc behind those of last year, with the Brexit decision and the subsequent fall in the value of the pound likely to impact on newsprint prices.
It said the planned staff reductions “will not affect our reporters, circulation, digital, advertising, drivers or finance.”
The document also reveals that the launch of MNA’s own PR company Star PR – as reported by HTFP in August – has been hit by the departure of the manager brought in to run it.
“The person we brought in to manage the business had a change in circumstances and she and her colleague left the business at the end of September,” it says.
“Management are confident there is a business there with the right person to run it. We are in the process of recruiting a replacement, but not rushing into an appointment.”
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Just in time for a miserable xmas.
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Cutbacks? I think you must have seen the unedited version of the memo. These changes are streamlining efficiencies for a more focused and exciting product which will deliver reader value in our 24-hour…
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“An internal staff document, which has been seen by HTFP, reveals that print revenues at the MNA are around 10pc behind those of last year, with the Brexit decision and the subsequent fall in the value of the pound likely to impact on newsprint prices.”
Yet the E&S, which remained neutral in the referendum, ran a piece declaring:
“A whopping 80 per cent of almost 8,000 readers who took part in the survey indicated that they will be voting for Britain to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum.”
Hope the Brexit-backing readers will continue to buy it when it costs more and has fewer staff, with fewer editions.
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A real shame. The Shropshire Star staff are a great bunch and led by Martrin Wright, probably the nicest and most talented Editor in the business. They deserve better and I wish them all the very best of luck.
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