Bauer Media axes 13 roles across Elle and Harper’s Bazaar
Bauer Media will axe 13 positions across Harper’s Bazaar and Elle Magazine as the print and digital teams merge.
The news follows the departures of Harper’s Bazaar editor in chief Kellie Hush and Elle editor in chief Justine Cullen.
A spokesperson for Bauer Media told Mumbrella it was “another step” in building a stronger future for the organisation. It has been described as a reshape of the fashion category, with the teams across fashion, beauty, feature, subbing and art content to merge.
“The executive team remains focused on ensuring Bauer takes advantage of all market opportunities and optimises its internal efforts through a collaborative workforce, improved efficiencies and ways of working across titles,” the spokesperson said.
“In line with common industry practices, the new structure will integrate print and digital editorial teams across Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.
“Within the restructure, most roles will remain as is or new roles will be created. There will be 13 roles impacted by the change and all impacted employees will be supported through these changes.”
Consultation with employees has already commenced.
Bauer Media’s latest job cuts follow the closure of the stand-alone print edition of Cosmo Bride, the content of which is now being integrated into Cosmo print and digital editions.
At the time, Bauer Media did not directly respond to Mumbrella’s questions about whether the magazine would continue as a standalone title, instead issuing a short statement saying: “Cosmo Bride will continue to be part of the Cosmo offer across both print and digital. Quarterly content will feature in different formats e.g. the August issue of Cosmo Bride ran as a flip cover.”
The news marks the next stage of change for the German-owned publisher. Two months ago, Lorna Gray, digital managing editor of features, was promoted to the helm of Cosmo’s print and online editions in what was seen as a signal of a digital future for the magazine.
Earlier this year, Bauer Media also restructured its digital team, and ‘centralised’ other magazine titles, including Woman’s Day, OK Magazine and NW. Eleven jobs were axed as part of the process.
Recent months has seen Bauer Media invest in some of its titles. Bauer Media extended its TV Week brand to include a monthly features edition, and did the same for Take 5. This year Bauer Media also launched Women’s Weekly Food website and influencer network, and acquired Inside Out, Country Style and HomeLife from News Corp.
Earlier this year, Bauer Media’s rival, Pacific Magazines, also integrated teams across New Idea and Who.
How’s that purchase of ACP looking now?
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Not surprising that this has happened as Bauer loses more of its gloss. Speaking of which, in the last few years, all I’ve heard from this publisher is finding ways to cut cost. There is no mention of finding ways TO MAKE MONEY.
In the last few years, I’ve noticed the people that have been hired seem to be there to maintain the status quo – no innovation whatsoever. It’s a real shame that this has happened, considered the publisher does have some good titles.
Perhaps this approach is a sign of where things are heading for Bauer, it’s definitely not going to survive if they keep pulling this approach.
Just my two cents on it.
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