The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed alarm at the imposition of another round of cuts by Iconic newspapers.
The company is controlled by UK businessman Malcolm Denmark.
The move was announced to staff this week without prior consultation with the NUJ or staff representatives.
The proposals include lay-offs, as well as cuts in hours and the pay of staff who remain at work. The NUJ is seeking clarification of the cuts and officials are liaising with members employed in the group.
Ian McGuinness, the NUJ Irish organiser, said:
“At a time when we need solid, public service journalism more than ever we have seen Iconic Newspapers announce their intention to impose another round of savage cuts. These proposals will impact on the newsrooms ability to cover stories, including COVID-related matters and on vital news such as courts and local authority meetings.
“Today the NUJ is contacting the members affected, to provide assistance and support both on a collective basis and individually. We would urge the company to engage with the union about the proposals and to reconsider the cuts.”
Séamus Dooley, Assistant General Secretary said:
“The latest cuts have implications for staff and for editorial content.
The NUJ has long been concerned at the extent of the ownership and control exercised by this company on the regional newspaper sector. These cuts follow a series of actions which serve to diminish editorial diversity and undermine the individual character of newspapers acquired by Iconic Newspapers in recent years. The manner in which loyal, dedicated staff have been treated is poor reward for dedication and commitment.
Local communities, advertisers and public representatives will be shocked to know that a profitable company is behaving in this way at a time when they require the type of quality journalism which has been the hallmark of these local titles over many years”.
List of titles owned by Iconic in the Republic of Ireland
The Donegal Democrat
The Leinster Leader
The Kilkenny People
The Limerick Leader
The Longford Leader
The Tipperary Star
The Leinster Express
The Leitrim Observer
The Clonmel Nationalist
The Dundalk Democrat
The Donegal People’s Press
The Limerick Chronicle
The Letterkenny People
The Offaly Express
The South Tipp People
The Leader
The Letterkenny Post
The Finn Valley Post
The Kildare Post
The Inish Times
The Donegal Post
Donegal Now
Kildare Now
Midland Tribune
Tullamore Tribune
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Name one good journalist anywhere in the U.K. or Ireland, Phil.
One genuine investigative journalist whose work has exposed the true underlying brutality at the heart of society, with the stature of a Pilger or Chris Hodges.
Just one will do.
Then we can discuss which of these journalists truly have ‘dedication & commitment’.
For it looks to me like you are all bought & paid for State skivvies.
Looking at that list I would be more concerned about the fact one Company has so much control over so many Papers (and narrative)in such a small Country?
Looks like a ground clearance decision prior to introduction of AI data mining of social media and public service platforms for news stories.
Genuine question Phil? In times when established print newspapers have falling readership, revenues and decline due to technology, Should these journalists feel really surprised! I feel sorry for those who loose their jobs! However you have always said that those who don’t provide the real stories or enjoy succulent lamb or fail to embrace new platforms will ultimately fail.
It’s simply market forces. Online media is now the main source of news especially for the younger generation.
Phil…….I would expect an article from you on the recent announcements of child deaths in Ireland at establishments often run by the Church. When can we expect to see such? It’s a huge story that journalists should pursue and comment on.
Agreed, it’s also worth taking note of the first line: ” at a time when we need solid public service journalism “. When was the last time we had newspapers printing the truth or anything other than puff pieces from Governments? Investigative journalism is long past, and if the papers quoted anything like those in Scotland is it any surprise sales are falling and jobs need culled?
Not bought a printed paper for years, and the lies about Sevco highlight why.