Reach Cuts 220 Editorial Jobs as AI Summaries Erode Google Traffic
Reach, which publishes the Daily Mirror and Daily Express, is set to cut 220 editorial jobs while creating 60 new positions focused on boosting digital income. This decision follows a significant 46% drop in traffic from Google, primarily due to AI features affecting site clicks. They will also close three online-only outlets—KentLive, AberdeenLive, and GalwayBeo—because they haven't gained traction in their respective regions. David Higgerson, the chief content officer, emphasized the importance of maintaining original journalism and distinct brands. For the year ending March 3, digital revenue fell nearly 1% to £128.9 million. Reach has 50,000 paid digital subscribers, aiming for 75,000 by the end of the year, and employs 3,423 staff, with 2,494 in editorial.
Key facts
- Reach will cut 220 editorial jobs and create about 60 new editorial roles.
- The publisher cited a 46% year-on-year decline in traffic from Google due to AI Mode and AI Overviews.
- Reach will close KentLive, AberdeenLive and GalwayBeo.
- Reach owns the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star, Daily Record, Manchester Evening News, Birmingham Mail and Liverpool Echo.
- David Higgerson is Reach's chief content officer.
- Digital revenues fell by almost 1% to £128.9m in the year to 3 March.
- Reach has 50,000 paid digital subscribers and targets 75,000 by the end of its current financial year.
- Reach's share price has plunged 90% over the past five years.
- Reach employed 3,423 staff on average at the end of its latest financial year, with a wage bill of £208.5m.
- In September, Reach put 600 roles at risk and cut more than 300 editorial jobs.
Entities
Artists
- David Higgerson
Institutions
- Reach
- Daily Mirror
- Daily Express
- Daily Star
- Daily Record
- Manchester Evening News
- Birmingham Mail
- Liverpool Echo
- KentLive
- AberdeenLive
- GalwayBeo
- BBC
- Trinity Mirror
Locations
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Aberdeen
- Galway
- Kent
- United Kingdom