West Australian to make ‘one-in-six’ journalists redundant
Journalists union The Media Alliance has claimed that The West Australian is set to make about one in six of its journalists redudant as part of a restructuring announced by the Seven West Media newspaper today.
The Perth-based daily will lose more than 30 of its 200 or so journalists, the union said.
According to the Alliance: “In its announcement to staff today, the newspaper said it would make redundant 33 editorial staff, including up to 20 from its senior editorial grades. The Media Alliance believes the newsroom at the paper would be cut by about a sixth if the redundancies take place. An additional seven clerical staff will also be made redundant.”
Seven West Media said in a statement: “WA Newspapers today announced the implementation of an organisational restructure. The media industry and the current economic environment have presented many challenges for WA Newspapers over the past few years, making it imperative that we review our operations and effectively manage our costs to ensure the long term stability, viability and growth of the business.”
The move by the West follows wholesale cost-cutting programs launched by Fairfax Media and News Limited last year.
Alliance secretary Christopher Warren said: “The West Australian is targeting its most senior, experienced editorial staff whose expertise is sorely needed in challenging times if the newspaper is going to continue to serve the interests of Western Australians with comprehensive, award-winning news coverage.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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