The takeover of Local World by Trinity Mirror has been branded a “blow to media plurality” by the National Union of Journalists.
Trinity chief executive Simon Fox described the £220m deal, which will create the biggest regional newspaper publisher in the UK, as a “good day for local media.”
But the union says it is seeking assurances about what the £220m deal will mean for staff and existing newspaper titles.
Trinity has already said it will be looking to make savings of £10-12m as a result of “cost synergies” arising from the acquisition.
Martin Shipton, FoC of the Trinity Mirror group chapel, said: “Our primary concern is what this deal will mean for our members. The union will be seeking urgent assurances and clarifications over the ramifications of the take-over for staff and the continuation of existing titles.”
General secretary Michelle Stanistreet, left said: “This deal is a further blow to media plurality. Already there is little choice on offer in our cities and major towns when it comes to buying a local newspaper. Trinity Mirror’s domination will vastly reduce the little choice there is.
“The never-ending consolidation of the local media market is a consequence of the difficulties in increasing advertising revenue on digital products, but what is needed is a long-term vision and not short-term speculation.
“We are now in danger of having identikit newspapers across the UK. The promise of further cuts to editorial is also depressing, not just to the readers who will notice a drop in quality, but to all our members who care passionately about their work and getting out the best- possible newspaper.”
National organiser Laura Davison added: “Staff at Trinity Mirror and Local World will be looking for immediate reassurances about jobs and terms on the back of this announcement.
“Staff across the businesses will want to know that the company intends to invest in journalism to ensure future success and not simply adopt a narrow vision involving cuts more in the interest of shareholders than in the overall quality of the company’s products.”
The deal is expected to be completed on Friday 13 November, but may require clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority.
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“A narrow vision involving cuts more in the interest of shareholders than in the overall quality of the company’s products.” Well spotted, Laura Davison. I wonder how long after November 13 it will be before the bloodletting starts; all the target figures are ominously precise, as if it’s all been worked out already. Christmas on the dole, anyone?
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It’s brilliant to see the most digitally advanced group (by far) show such optimism for the future. But maybe we should let the NUJ take control. I’m sure their visionary leadership would persuade the UK population to abandon smartphones and social media and return to ink, paper and old news. Oh, and if only people would just go back to searching for homes once a week in their local newspaper rather than using that new-fangled interweb thingy.
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” staff across the businesses will want to know that the company intends to invest in journalism to ensure future success and not simply adopt a narrow vision involving cuts”
Come on guys, seriously?
It’s not going to happen.
Christmas is the traditional time to ‘restructure’ in readiness for new starts in January so no surprises there.
Whilst most regional news groups are on the floor in terms of staff numbers and quality of content it’s only the hands on staff at ground level who care about the look feel and quality of the papers , those in charge are simply interested in profit, no ones buying news papers to invest money in improving the products in what in effect is a dying medium, there are other agendas at work and investing to improve is not it
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“Already there is little choice on offer in our cities and major towns when it comes to buying a local newspaper”
IF you are an NUJ member you deserve more insight than this from your senior employee.
There never has been a choice in any major town when it comes to buying a local paper. The market (horrible capitalist concept) does not support it.
There were competing frees based on property and motors adversing. These largely grew up as established publishers were unable to use colour printing and were hamstrung by, guess what Ms Stanistreet, the trade unions including your own.
You have to do your best for your members but show a little more understanding of what goes on outside Guardian world.
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It can’t be just me that thinks this woman is completely ineffectual. The NUJ have been toothless for some time now and the leadership is squarely to blame.
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I was going to have a rant about how far the ineffectual NUJ is behind the times. But, frankly, I can’t be bothered.
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