Associated Press Lays Off 20 U.S. Journalists as 25% Newspaper Revenue Drop Drives Pivot
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 15
Associated Press Lays Off 20 U.S. Journalists as 25% Newspaper Revenue Drop Drives Pivot
7 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 15
About 20 U.S.-based AP journalists were laid off Friday, with the union saying those notified ended work the same day as the news cooperative wrapped a restructuring announced last month.
The cuts follow buyout offers to more than 120 U.S. journalists; about 40 accepted, part of AP’s shift away from print toward visual journalism and other revenue sources.
AP says the overhaul responds to customer demand and changing economics: newspaper revenue has fallen 25% over four years, while revenue from technology companies has grown 200%.
The union called AP leadership “directionless,” noting that some of those laid off were photographers even as management says visual journalism is a priority and staff cuts will total less than 5% globally.
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