Bristol News & Media plans up to 45 job cuts

Northcliffe's Bristol News & Media division is understood to be planning up to 45 job cuts as speculation mounts that the Western Daily Press could in future rely on content supplied by other company titles in the region.

Staff working on morning paper the Western Daily Press and BNM sister evening title the Evening Post were told earlier today about the planned cuts, which could see nearly a third of the 154-strong workforce being made redundant.

It is understood that senior managers have spent most of today briefing staff on the proposed reorganisation and potential redundancies, although no details have yet emerged revealing from where exactly the cuts are expected.

Mike Norton, editor of the Bristol Evening Post and editorial director for the Northcliffe West and Wales region, issued a statement today confirming that redundancies would be made.

He said that the proposed cuts were part of "back-of-house production efficiencies" raising speculation that the brunt of departures are likely to come away from the newsroom floor.

The two Bristol-based papers currently operate with a number of shared editorial departments, including features, business and sport. Editorial departments are expected to be integrated further.

"I have tried to do everything I can to avoid redundancies. However, I have no other option that will ensure the futures of the Evening Post and the Western Daily Press," Norton said.

"This is about back-of-house production efficiencies and will not affect the amount or the quality of our content. We will continue to provide the best local news and advertising service through our print and digital platforms."

An official from the National Union of Journalists told MediaGuardian.co.uk there was speculation in Northcliffe's Bristol offices about whether the Western Daily Press would continue in its current form as a paid-for morning paper.

It is understood that BNM is considering relying more heavily on content from other Northcliffe titles in the area to fill the morning paper's pages.

The union also condemned the planned cuts as unnecessary, claiming BNM was a profitable part of Daily Mail & General Trust-owned Northcliffe's local newspaper publishing business.

"There is no need to make these cuts. This is not a company on its knees. It is using the credit crunch as an excuse to sack staff, which could cause the death of a well-loved newspaper," said Tim Lezard, NUJ national executive council member for the south west.

"What we are seeing is the sad death of a paper that's just celebrated its 150th birthday. It has served Bristol in a unique way and that part of history could be gone forever."

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