NUJ members this week took part in a nationwide day of action
against cuts planned by Northcliffe Newspapers which the union claims
will “devastate” editorial quality, writes Sarah Lagan.
Journalists on Tuesday handed out leaflets and put their case to MPs.
Northcliffe’s Aim Higher programme plans to save £20m a year. The company said it is designed to increase efficiency.
Consultants
are looking at ways of making savings, and journalists fear job losses
if centralised subbing or joint picture or news desks are introduced at
centres with morning and evening titles.
NUJ general secretary
Jeremy Dear claimed: “Less staff producing more work inevitably means
corners will have to be cut and standards will drop.
Only by investing in editorial and winning new readers can you maintain and build circulation.”
Northcliffe
spokesman Andrew Honnor said: “Northcliffe is making a very substantial
investment including tens of millions of pounds over the last five and
next three years which underpins their commitment to the regional
newspaper industry. This includes the installation of new presses that
will enable greater production capacity for Northcliffe titles.”
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