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September 10, 2025 – UK –
Reach plc—publisher of the Mirror, Express, Daily Star, Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News and numerous regional titles—is planning its “biggest-ever” reorganisation of its editorial operations, putting 321 roles at risk of redundancy and creating 135 new roles, resulting in a net loss of 186 editorial positions. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) estimates that this latest move could put as many as 600 journalists in total at risk, including those affected indirectly by the changes.
The restructure aims to reshape Reach’s editorial functions significantly, with priorities including the expansion of video and audio content, the creation of a new “Live News Network”, and greater efficiency through consolidated teams. Under the new structure, some roles will disappear, others will change, and staff at risk will be given priority when applying for the new positions.
Staff morale is already under strain. The NUJ has described the announcement as a “devastating body blow” to journalists who feel caught between evolving media pressures and shrinking resources. Union leaders are calling for transparent and meaningful consultation from Reach about how artificial intelligence (AI) will be integrated into the workflow and how many roles will be genuinely preserved versus altered.
Reach defends the plan as necessary for future sustainability. Chief Content Officer David Higgerson emphasized that the changes are driven by shifts in how audiences consume news, and that reorganizing around video, live reporting, centralised hubs, and more efficient use of resources is essential in “matching resources to ambitions.”
The NUJ has warned that repeated rounds of cuts risk degrading journalistic quality, overloading remaining staff, and undermining local journalism and regional identities. They argue that the approach risks hollowing out distinct voices across Reach’s titles, especially as content is centralised and roles shared across multiple brands.
As the company begins formal consultation with staff, questions remain about how many of the new roles will truly preserve expertise, how AI will shape the work, and whether the changes will protect the standards and diversity of journalism that Reach’s wide network of regional and national titles has built.
Reference –
https://www.printweek.com/content/news/reach-puts-over-300-editorial-jobs-at-risk/
