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Page view targets scheme ‘causing stress in 80pc of journalists’ claims union

chris-morleyFour out of five journalists working at a regional publisher have suffered from stress due to a bonus scheme linked to page view targets, union bosses have claimed.

The National Union of Journalists has made the claim about a page view target scheme run by Newsquest following a survey of its members.

It comes after Newsquest revealed an average of around 200 of its reporters each quarter have been given additions to their pay packet over the past two years, following the programme’s introduction.

Newsquest announced the figure after HTFP revealed Reach plc had launched its own page view target plan for reporters, although it is currently unclear whether those proposals include any financial incentives for journalists.

The NUJ has now published the results of a survey, conducted in January and February with Newsquest staff, in which 72pc stated they did not think their targets were achievable.

Of those surveyed, 38pc said they received a bonus in 2021, although only 9pc were awarded bonuses in all four quarters.

Eighty per cent of participants told the NUJ they had suffered with stress “as a result of the pressure of constant targets”.

Newsquest has previously said journalists who do not hit the targets receive mentoring and coaching, while bonuses can still be awarded to those coming close to achieving their quarterly goals at the discretion of local editors and managing directors.

The NUJ has now called for a review of the Newsquest scheme and a “group-wide overhaul of editorial pay”.

Chris Morley, pictured, Newsquest NUJ group chapel coordinator, said: “Nobody should be fooled that Newsquest’s digital bonus scheme is generous, fair and equitable.

“Our members’ experience clearly shows otherwise and certainly does not make up for endemic poor pay and conditions within the company.

“We think journalists should be properly paid for the valuable job they perform within the democratic fabric of this country, not on how many clicks they turn in.

“As a union we want to see journalists have decent pay that they can rely on to meet the bills.”

Last week, Chris also raised concerns about the introduction of the new scheme at Reach, saying “constant and relentless scrutiny” will affect journalists’ wellbeing.

HTFP has approached Newsquest for a comment on the results of the union’s survey.