Scottish publisher DC Thomson is proposing to close four magazines as part of plans that put 55 jobs at risk of redundancy.
The Scotland-based publisher is expecting a potential reduction of about 35 roles following the consultation period.
The proposal affects various departments including audience and insight, data journalism, subscriptions, brand and marketing, magazines, and Beano Studios.
The four magazines facing closure are: This England, a quarterly culture title; My Weekly Pocket Novels, a fortnightly series; and two children’s brands, 110% Gaming and Unicorn Universe.
The company stated that these titles are “not commercially sustainable in the longer term.”
Nick McGowan-Lowe, national organiser for Scotland at the National Union of Journalists, expressed his disbelief at the announcement. He commented:
“It is unbelievable that only a few weeks after announcing £93.8m pre-tax profits, DC Thomson has now told 55 hard-working staff their jobs are at risk.
“Only last night I met with the NUJ chapel at DC Thomson and heard their anger after last year’s 0% pay award, and today’s announcement of a proposed 35 job cuts and four magazine closures will only add to the feeling that senior management don’t appreciate the value and experience of journalists across the business.”
The publisher’s spokesperson addressed the closures, saying:
“Following a strategic review, we are ceasing publishing four print titles which are not commercially sustainable in the longer term. Unfortunately, these changes will have an impact on the teams that support them and a small number of colleagues are now in consultation and will be fully supported throughout.”
This move comes as part of the company’s strategy to protect print profits and create a new dedicated print sales function.
The publisher is also planning to bring The Scots Magazine under the same “Local” structure as its newsbrands, aiming to launch a digital membership proposition focused on Scotland’s landscapes, people, and cultures.
The company’s most recent financial report showed a slight decline in revenue from continuing businesses, with pre-tax profits largely attributed to financial assets rather than core businesses.
The publisher stated that its media strategy “remains on course and largely unchanged: to deliver sustainable growth by protecting profits and diversifying revenues.”
This latest announcement of job losses follows a larger one two years ago when 300 employees were made redundant.
As the publishing industry continues to face challenges in the digital age, this restructuring highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain profitability while adapting to changing reader preferences and market conditions.
