Fairfax tight-lipped on proposed job cuts

  • Breaking
  • 28/05/2015

Fairfax Media has hit back at reports it is proposing to cut multiple positions across the country.

Reports this afternoon suggested the company would be cutting more than 150 jobs but Fairfax has not confirmed how many people would be made redundant.

Employees told NZ Newswire about 160 jobs would be made redundant in the process, including a majority of the company's subeditors, and that a significant number of senior editor roles would be rescoped.

Staff in the company's Auckland and Wellington offices confirmed there had been meetings with employees throughout Thursday.

"The proposal is not about reducing headcount.  We are boosting our reporting capability in small and large communities, and by streamlining our print-focused production processes, increasing the ratio of content creators from just over half to almost two thirds," said Fairfax Media executive editor Sinead Boucher.

Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union, which covers print media, says it is concerned the increased focus on the digital space could mean neglect of the print media, which generates the bulk of Fairfax’s revenue.

“The changes proposed by Fairfax represent a significant shift in the way they operate, driven by technological change and the move to more online news,” said Paul Tolich, EPMU industrial officer for print and media.

“Specifically, editorial leadership roles and subediting roles will be going, and reporters will be expected to take on more oversight of their own work.”

The EPMU will work with members on a detailed response to Fairfax’s proposal.

“New Zealand needs a strong fourth estate with journalists well-supported to report the news,” said Mr Tolich.

“We should not lose sight of that in the rush to put everything online.”

Fairfax's New Zealand publications include stuff.co.nz, The Press, The Dominion Post, and The Sunday Star-Times, as well as several provincial newspapers.

Several months ago Fairfax announced it proposed to axe numerous roles within the company's Australian regional and online publications.

Fairfax journalists in New Zealand have recently been taught how to sub-edit their work, in an attempt to reduce staff numbers.

The company employs about 700 staff in its New Zealand editorial team.

3 News / NZN

source: newshub archive