View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
November 24, 2008

Observer Standard group cuts 20 per cent of jobs

By Press Gazette

The independent Observer Standard group of free newspapers is the latest to axe jobs in response to the downturn – with up to eight editorial jobs going.

The Worcestershire-based group publishes 20 free weekly newspaper titles, five magazines and 30 websites.

In a letter to staff managing director Chris Bullivant said: “I am extremely sorry to have to let you know that, following a reduction in advertising revenue due to various well-publicised problems in the world and local economies, the management team is having to look to reduce the company’s cost base.

“This includes a 20 per cent reduction in staff across the company. This means the company will have to consider making some staff members redundant. In editorial this could mean up to eight staff could potentially lose their jobs.”

These latest cuts come as a wave of cost-cutting hits the entire regional press. With publications reporting advertising down by around 20 per cent year on year hundreds of jobs have been cut at regional newspapers in recent weeks.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network