Media staff face axe as free papers are ditched

Jul 7 2009 by Liz Hands, The Journal

MORE than 40 jobs are under threat at ncjMedia following a decision to review the titles it publishes as a result of the economic downturn.

Staff were informed at a series of meetings yesterday that ncjMedia, publishers of The Journal, Evening Chronicle and Sunday Sun, is proposing to close two free newspapers – North and South Tyneside Chronicle Extra, and two magazines – Exclusive and City Living as well as reviewing its portfolio of websites.

The changes, which are subject to consultation, could result in 47 redundancies across the business.

A further 19 jobs may go on Teesside at Gazette Media Company, which along with ncjMedia is part of Trinity Mirror.

Managing director of ncjMedia, David Simms said: “We, in common with all UK publishing companies, are facing some real challenges. As a consequence, this will involve difficult but necessary decisions to secure our long-term future.

“These actions announced today are designed to protect our North East businesses and the majority of their employees. We are seeking volunteers from within affected groups in order to minimise any necessity for compulsory redundancies.”