Mirror publisher to cut 220 editorial jobs as readers turn to AI summaries

The publisher of the Mirror and Express newspapers, Reach, is cutting 220 more editorial jobs amid a significant decline in online traffic and the rise of AI-generated content summaries. This move follows the company's September restructuring, which saw the loss of over 300 editorial positions. Reach also plans to shut down three online-only brands that were not the dominant publisher in their regions.

The company attributes the drop in digital page views to a 46% decline year-on-year, primarily due to Google's AI features like AI Mode and AI Overviews. Reach's chief content officer, David Higgerson, emphasized the need to shift investments towards original journalism and distinctive brands. As part of the restructuring, 60 new editorial roles will be created to focus on digital revenue growth, particularly in subscriptions and longer-form video content.

Digital revenues declined by nearly 1% to £128.9 million in the year ending March 3rd. Despite its share price plummeting 90% in five years, Reach has 50,000 paid digital subscribers, aiming to reach 75,000 by the end of its current financial year. Higgerson also announced a shift away from page views as the primary metric for audience engagement, moving towards "active engaged time."

Editors will tailor their strategies to ensure their brands' fame and convert more readers into paying subscribers.