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News Corp axing 55 journos from newspapers

News CorpNews Corp Australia will slash 55 journalism roles across its newspapers, a move which has drawn condemnation from the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.

The publishing company met with the journalists’ union this morning to discuss the redundancy program, while editorial managers responsible for the cuts have also been briefed about the program, according to News Corp publication The Australian.

MEAA Media director Katelin McInerney said in a statement: “Journalists already work intensely hard and in these days of increased demand for content and the need for quality journalism to ensure the public’s right to know, these job losses are a short-sighted response that erode the ability of News Corp to deliver news, information and entertainment to its audiences.

“MEAA will meet with the company in coming days and we have called the company to ensure that any job losses are done through a voluntary redundancy process. MEAA will consult with affected members on next steps.”

News Corp publications include national broadsheet The Australian and metro titles The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, The Herald Sun in Melbourne and The Courier Mail in Brisbane.

It follows on from News Corp restructuring its editorial reporting lines at the start of this month, with veteran News Corp executive Campbell Reid losing editorial responsibility and moved to the position of director of corporate affairs and content innovation.

The cuts are the latest in a long line for both News Corp and rival publisher Fairfax Media, as they look to stem losses as their print revenues collapse.

Fairfax has made a slew of job cuts in recent years as part of a restructure of its Australian Community Media Business, most recently proposing to cut 69 full-time equivalent positions at the Newcastle Herald.

The Australian has reported Fairfax is set to axe 150 jobs at its Metro Media division by May.

News Corp has declined to comment, but the report in The Australian claims: “News Corp plans to lose around 55 journalism roles in the coming week, which will involve a handful of jobs, at most, in any particular news outlet. It is believed many will be mutually agreed with the affected staff members. Editorial managers responsible for the cuts were also briefed this morning about the program.

Fairfax Media has been contacted for comment.

Miranda Ward

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