Fairfax media have outlined a plan today to restructure their regional operations in the Illawarra and South Cost in order to reduce expenditure and revitalise it’s workforce. This will include investment in new training and equipment as a means to future proof the company.
The new proposal is part of a larger initiative by the company to move away from traditional print form to the more popular trend of digital first media. This will greatly impact several of their publications including The Illawarra Mercury, Wollongong Advertiser, Kiama Independent, Lake Times and several more.
The Illwarra Mercury has reported that the company hopes for up to 50 voluntary redundancies made by those in full time positions in the Illawarra. Fairfax’s Australian Community Media director, John Angilley, said that “Our full focus and attention in the weeks ahead is consulting with our staff in Illawarra and south-east NSW to ensure everyone fully understands the proposal and has the opportunity to share their feedback with us.”
Other changes include The Lake Times combining with the Wollongong Advertiser,the South Coast Register being published on one less day a week, and Australian Seniors will absorb the bi-monthly Senior Lifestyle South Coast. “All our mastheads in Illawarra and South-East NSW must embrace change,” said Mr Angilley, “to ensure they remain the most trusted source of news and information for years to come.”