news Reach looks to cut more than 100 jobs


REACH, which publishes national and regional digital and newspaper titles including The Mirror, Express, Manchester Evening News, and Liverpool Echo, has placed 104 jobs at risk, the union understands. Sports coverage will be hit


by about 50 redundancies and arts desk staff and writers’ roles at the Mirror and Express will also be cut. Workers in Scotland and Ireland are not affected. In sports, dedicated


correspondents covering Liverpool, Manchester United and London football clubs will be halved, while three writers covering Midland clubs and two on Welsh sport are at risk.


In addition to reducing


content, editors will be reduced from 26 to 16 and the number of sports sub-editors more than halved.


and less media diversity. Ultimately, this results in a poorer product. “The distinctions between


different Reach titles will blur, with replicated articles less tailored to readers’ interests. An AI mimic would be no substitute for skilled journalists. “Reach is a profitable


PA IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Reach has said that the cuts


are being driven by ‘efficiencies’ and are aimed at ‘optimising performance’ resulting from content sharing between titles and the production of common pages. The company’s AI tool


Guten rewrites stories to match the styles of different titles. The union is concerned


that proposed cuts may involve an increase in the use


of AI at the expense of journalists’ jobs. Laura Davison, NUJ


general secretary, said: “The NUJ is deeply concerned by the impact these cuts will have on staff workload and morale. Either fewer staff will be expected to do more work or Reach is seeking to use AI to fill the resulting gap. “The replication of content


across Reach’s titles will mean less localised coverage


company – and this is down to journalists’ hard work. Instead of cutting jobs, Reach should invest in its staff and quality journalism.” Those at risk of redundancy


were informed in early July that this could start as early as August 8. Staff have been told


that around 90 workers will be transferred to comparable roles, with 11 vacancies created alongside a new sports hub. Further details on the new structure are awaited.


Report of BBC outsourcing sparks concern Laura Davison, NUJ general


THE UNION has called for clarity from the BBC following reports it is considering a major outsourcing drive as reported by The Guardian. The newspaper’s media editor Michael Savage reported that the BBC is


considering a plan that could put thousands of jobs at risk as it attempts to cut costs. The Guardian story said


jobs could be offshored and that the BBC has been considering partnerships with US tech companies.


secretary, said: “Workers at the BBC will be alarmed to hear of proposals focused on outsourcing, with serious implications for jobs and the future structures of the broadcaster.


The NUJ’s generation game


IT WAS one in, one out of the NUJ for the Lezard family in July, with former president Tim retiring and daughter Charlie joining the union. Tim, who served on the national executive


council for many years, retired early on health grounds. He was a journalist for 28 years. On the day he handed in his press card – he’s


remaining in the union as a retired member – Charlie applied to join as the new senior press officer for the Royal College of Surgeons. She is the third generation of Lezard to work in the media. Tim’s mother, Jeny, worked as a writer for Honey magazine in the 1970s. Tim said: “I’m very proud Charlie’s following in the footsteps of myself and her grandmother


– once she got a job in the media, it was a no-brainer for her to join the NUJ. “I’ve had a good career in journalism and


met some wonderful people along the way. I’m looking forward to watching cricket, riding my bike and reading all the books I’ve been meaning to read since I was a teenager.” Charlie said: “I’m excited to be part of an


organisation that provided an ideological home for my dad, and a sector that was the lifeblood for both he and my granny. “The NUJ’s mission to protect its members and our industry is inspiring and important, and I’m excited to stand alongside people who worked with my dad throughout his career.”


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“We need urgent clarity from the BBC on options being considered and trade unions around the table in meaningful engagement. “Cost-cutting measures that impact content produced by the BBC or fragment the ways


in which it operates will affect how audiences perceive, and value the organisation. “Its workforce should not be blindsided by discussions with US tech giants as unions simultaneously campaign for greater funding for the BBC to support its position as a valued public service broadcaster.”


“


Either fewer staff will be expected to do more work or Reach is seeking to use AI to fill the resulting gaps


Laura Davison NUJ general secretary


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