Press Association today began consultation over cutting 50 journalism jobs in its news and sport production departments.
The majority of staff affected by the move are based in Howden, Yorkshire. The announcement follows Daily Mail and General Trust‘s announcement last July that it planned to drop news from Teletext in January.
Most of Teletext’s editorial content was provided by PA.
PA said today in a statement: “Following the announcement by the Daily Mail and General Trust regarding the cessation of services which the Press Association supply to Teletext, the company will be entering a period of collective consultation with affected staff in news and sport production.
“A restructure of these departments is proposed that, if implemented, would see a loss of up to 50 posts.
“However, the company will continue to focus on new opportunities in the market and we will use our very best efforts to minimise job losses.”
As well as providing content for Teletext, the PA production departments deal with a variety of other digital and print-ready content.
Explaining the decision to scrap news on Teletext, DMGT said in July: “The continued fragmentation of television audiences and the growth in the use of the internet has resulted in a significant reduction in the audience and volume of commercial activity generated by the television services.
“In addition, Ofcom has indicated that it is not persuaded of the need for public intervention in the delivery of a public commercial Teletext service beyond 2014 and this has also contributed to the decision to discontinue the public service.”
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
