Teletext is to sack 55 journalists

Sarah Lagan

Teletext is to axe 55 journalists from its sport, racing and finance departments – half of its entire editorial team.

Editorial from these areas is to be outsourced to the Press Association though some jobs will remain in-house.

Journalists have entered into a 30-day
consultation period although Teletext does not officially recognise the
NUJ. There is a possibility that some jobs could be found elsewhere at
the company’s owners the Daily Mail and General Trust.

Teletext says the move will allow it to invest in
its digital services in the run up to the 2008 digital switchover,
expected to be complete in 2012. As part of its strategy, Teletext says
it will invest the savings into digital television services, new
classified areas and the development of its holiday website.

Managing director Mike Stewart said: “We are very
sad about the job losses here but we are trying to equip the business
to compete effectively. We are going through an extensive consultation
process and will treat it with as much sensitivity and care as we
conceivably can.

“It’s about investing in the business and
increasing our flexibility. We are talking about dedicating millions of
pounds worth of investment into our digital services. Digital is a
completely untapped amrket that has the potential to be so much richer
a reader-viewer experience.”