Nine is set to make cuts to its publishing division.
In an email to Publishing staff, Managing Director of Publishing, Tory Maguire, said the changes were needed to keep the business “fit for purpose” as the media landscape shifts. She framed the move as protecting journalism, not cutting it.
“The best way to protect our quality journalism is to ensure our organisation adapts to a changing media landscape, that we’re growing commercially and investing in new areas which connect with new audiences,” Maguire wrote. “In particular we need to keep shifting towards the digital-first future.”
Nine was “constantly reviewing” its operations, she said, and as a result “we are going to be making some changes to our structure and how we operate.”
Maguire said the impact would vary by team, with only those directly affected receiving a town hall invitation.
That town hall has already been held.
“Since these changes affect teams differently, we want to make sure the right conversations happen with the right people,” she wrote. “Teams going through changes will receive an invite to a town hall shortly to walk through the details of what this means for them.”
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Staff on unaffected teams will not receive an invitation, though Maguire said she would “keep Publishing informed throughout this process.”
Maguire acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with structural change, urging staff to support one another and flagging Nine’s employee wellbeing platform, Sonder, which is available via phone on 1800 234 560 or through its app.
“I know that structural change can bring a lot of uncertainty,” she wrote. “Please continue to look out for each other, and reach out to your leaders or to me directly if you need support or have questions.”
She added that Nine was committed to transparency throughout the process, including engaging the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA).
“I want to reassure you that we are committed to being transparent and supportive throughout this process, including engaging the MEAA,” Maguire wrote. “Your leaders and I will continue to keep the whole Publishing division updated through this process as much as we’re able.”
Maguire’s email did not specify how many roles or teams would be affected, or when the town halls would take place.
From Mediaweek