Sources in Media24 Newspapers have confirmed staff members were informed this week about company plans to cut 10%-20% of editorial staff at four Afrikaans newspapers. Staff at Die Burger, Beeld, Volksblad and Rapport will be affected.
The 10%-20% may include posts that have not been filled for some time.
Some staff members have questioned the company’s timing, as the matter will not be resolved before the festive season. A decision about who stays and who goes is expected to be taken by the end of January 2009.
When approached for comment, Lutfia Vayej, head of corporate communication at Media24, said, “We are currently in a consultation process which forms part of a broader restructuring process within Media24 Newspapers… the outcome cannot be confirmed at this stage.
“Internationally newspapers are changing to deliver news through multiple platforms. The proposed streamlining of our editorial infrastructure will facilitate this initiative.”
Meanwhile, the company has appointed Beeld editor, Peet Kruger, as editor-in-chief of Die Burger, Beeld, Volksblad and Rapport. He will be succeeded by Tim du Plessis, editor of Rapport. Liza Albrecht, editor of the national supplement By, has been appointed editor of Rapport.
