From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
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.
In brief
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 restructure around digital revenue rather than page views. Originally reported by the Guardian.
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”
What it means
Publishers are losing readers to AI summaries and must restructure around digital revenue rather than page views.
