Newsroom
Union warning to Guardian Media: 'don't run down titles'
The NUJ has expressed concern at plans to cut the Observer newspaper down to just four sections and a single monthly supplement.
Owners Guardian News and Media have announced plans to cut the paper down to four sections, consisting of news and sport alongside a Review section and magazine.
News of the plans, which include the closure of the title's monthly sport, music and women supplements, were announced to staff today (Tuesday).
Responding to the announcement, NUJ Head of Publishing Barry Fitzpatrick, said: “This is a move that will make the Observer less competitive in what is already an already exceedingly tough marketplace.
"It will do nothing to improve circulation and can only result in a lower quality product. We know that Guardian Media Group is looking to save costs, but they need to ensure that any steps don’t result in the running down of its titles.”
The NUJ and supporters of the Observer gathered for a major rally in support of the paper in September.
At that meeting, which followed a decision by management to reject plans to close the paper, NUJ Deputy General Secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, warned campaigners that saving the paper was about more than just the name.
She told the rally: “It’s vital that the newspaper remains viable.
“If it is to survive for another 218 years it needs proper resources, and needs to maintain its talented pool of journalists and keep its distinctive voice.”
10 November 2009
