Read Gordon's Republic blog post - How US newspapers are failing and the local future
Northcliffe, the regional newspaper arm of the Daily Mail & General Trust, is to cut 95 jobs as part of a restructure that will see it close a number of free papers in Essex and Kent.
It will create a centralised design and production centre in Chelmsford for all titles in its South East Weeklies. This will involve some titles being amalgamated and some closed including Total Essex and Focus in West Kent.
The centralised subbing centre in Chelmsford follows the creation of similar units in Stoke, Nottingham and Hull.
In a statement Northcliffe, said: "Northcliffe Media South East announced a number of proposals to staff across the region today which reflects the need to reduce costs in the current challenging trading environment.
"In line with similar announcements made recently by Northcliffe in the North East and Midlands regions, the intention is to create a central editorial design and production hub based in Chelmsford.
"The region will focus on market leading titles and those areas where medium term opportunities are visible. In several markets, existing titles will be merged to create single hybrid paid/free titles. This model was introduced in East Grinstead in September 2008 and results have been encouraging despite current market conditions.
"A number of free newspapers will be closed including Total Essex and Focus in West Kent. Free titles in Maidstone and Ashford are also under review."
At the same time rival regional publisher Archant, which publishes the Eastern Daily Press, is to cut 54 of its 179 editorial staff as part of a plan to implement an integrated print and online operation.
Stephan Phillips, Archant Norfolk managing director, said: "We have reduced staff numbers in our other departments such as marketing and advertising sales recently and editorial has not been subject to any major review in the last two years.
"We regret we now have to look at our editorial numbers and will enter into a consultation period with the staff involved.
"The commitment to a new editorial system, which is an investment in the region of £2m, was started by Archant over a year ago. It will provide a new way of working, enabling greater online interaction with our readers and it will improve productivity across all our titles."
Read Gordon's Republic blog post - How US newspapers are failing and the local future
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