Desmond’s Ongoing Cost Cuts Could See Express Journalists In For The Chop

Over 100 journalists will lose their jobs at the Express group today, it is feared, as new owner Richard Desmond’s efforts to cut spending continue. Union representatives are to meet with management today, as letters go out to all staff outlining redundancy proposals.

After surprising the industry with his takeover last year (see Gossip And Girlie Publisher Takes On Express And Star), Desmond has stirred up bad feeling from Express staffers for his association with pornographic publishing, his sell-off of the Express websites (see Desmond Pulls The Plug On Express Websites), staff cuts in the advertising, circulation and distribution departments and a “heavy handed” approach which eventually led to the resignation of both Express editor Rosie Boycott and her deputy (see Rosie Boycott Resigns From Express). It is thought that during his first few months as owner, Desmond has managed to eliminate around half of the debt he acquired in the takeover.

Desmond’s plan to turn around the fortunes of the Express includes upping the celebrity content by drawing on the resources of Northern & Shells successful celebrity title OK!. Last week this led to cut down copies of the magazine being given away for 1p to Express readers, causing concern amongst rival titles in case the subsequent boost to OK’s circulation would be included in ABC figures.

Opinion in the media community concerning the wisdom of this investment is divided. At this year’s Media Question Time Guardian assistant editor Emily Bell, the Media Planning Group’s Marie Oldham and Jim Hytner, marketing communications director at Channel 5 thought that if handled correctly, success was possible. “Focus on the whole national newspaper market and develop a secure position,” advised Hytner. Billett Consultancy chairman John Billett was less encouraging, however, saying, “If I was him I would sell it to Rothermere tomorrow.” (see ‘Stop Worrying About Midmarket Rivals’ Hytner Advises New Express Owner)

Northern & Shell: 020 7308 5090

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