# Mirror publisher cuts 220 jobs as AI summaries kill traffic

> Reach blames Google's AI tools and BBC expansion for a dramatic shift in how readers find news online.
- Title: Mirror publisher cuts 220 jobs as AI summaries kill traffic
- Summary: Reach blames Google's AI tools and BBC expansion for a dramatic shift in how readers find news online. Publishers are losing readers to AI summaries and must…
- Keywords: reach, mirror, express, editorial jobs, job cuts, ai summaries, google, digital traffic, news publishing, restructuring, bbc, subscriptions
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/16/mirror-publisher-reach-cuts-editorial-jobs-ai-summaries-google
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:08:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reach, mirror, express, editorial jobs, job cuts, ai summaries, google, digital traffic, news publishing, restructuring, bbc, subscriptions
## Mirror publisher cuts 220 jobs
Reach, which owns the Mirror, Express, and regional titles, is cutting 220 editorial positions as it adapts to a dramatic fall in online traffic.
## Google AI is killing referral traffic
Google's AI Mode and AI Overviews have cut Reach's traffic from Google by 46% year-on-year, as readers no longer need to click through to websites.
## BBC also blamed for traffic loss
Reach's chief content officer said the BBC is mirroring local commercial publishers' output up to 70% of the time, further eroding traffic.
## Three online brands being closed
Reach is closing KentLive, AberdeenLive, and GalwayBeo because they failed to become the dominant publisher in their regions.
## 60 new roles focused on revenue
While cutting 220 jobs, Reach will create 60 editorial roles focused on subscriptions and longer-form video to drive digital revenue growth.
## Shifting from page views to engagement
Reach is moving away from measuring success by page views and instead focusing on active engaged time and converting readers to paid subscribers.

> less emphasis on story volume and more on original journalism and distinctive brands
## Key takeaway

Publishers are losing readers to AI summaries and must restructure around digital revenue rather than page views.