The Associated Press announced on Monday that it would begin offering buyouts and laying off selected employees, with plans to reduce the outlet’s work force by 8%.
The outlet intends to accelerate a transition to a “digital-first organization.”
NEW: The Associated Press plans to reduce its workforce by 8% through a combination of buyouts and layoffs. https://t.co/j9zey8GfXQ
— Axios (@axios) November 18, 2024
From the Associated Press:
The AP said those eligible for buyouts were to learn of the offer, which would include severance pay and partial health coverage for 18 months, by the end of Monday. Those whose positions are due to be eliminated would learn about their fates over the next few weeks.
Once considered the world’s largest newsgathering organization, the AP no longer makes that claim and does not reveal the size of its staff. As a result, it was impossible to say on Monday how many people would be affected. The AP said less than half of the anticipated cuts would involve its news employees, with the bulk happening within the United States.
The News Media Guild said that 121 of its members would be offered buyouts. The AP, without giving an estimate, said there