/ 12 July 2006

FT to axe 50 jobs in internet-led shake-up

The Financial Times newspaper said on Wednesday it was to slash up to 50 jobs as it tried to restructure its editorial operations.

The British business daily is seeking to integrate better its editing, reporting and production for the FT‘s print and online operations.

“The media industry is facing a huge challenge to its structure and working practices from the rapidly evolving demands of digital publishing,” FT editor Lionel Barber told staff.

“The Financial Times must embrace and lead these changes.”

The newspaper said the move was in part designed to simplify on operation that publishes four different regional editions — for Britain, continental Europe, Asia and the United States — and has expanded its internet operations to reach 5,5-million unique monthly users.

Journalists, editors and production staff will be expected to write, commission and sub-edit for both the newspaper and internet editions.

Reporters will be trained to produce content for different media and a team will be dedicated to producing interactive content. – AFP