The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has voiced concern over Media24’s plans to overhaul its newsroom structure, saying the proposed changes could have serious implications for journalists and the future of quality news reporting.
Media24 has confirmed that it has entered into consultations with employees on a proposed editorial model aimed at reshaping newsroom operations and centralising some editorial functions as part of its shift towards digital publishing.
Sanef acknowledged that news organisations are operating in an increasingly difficult environment marked by shrinking print income, changing consumer behaviour and the continued expansion of digital media.
Despite recognising these industry challenges, the organisation said it is worried that the restructuring process may ultimately result in job losses.
In its statement issued on Monday, Sanef pointed out that Media24 has not indicated that the consultation process will necessarily lead to retrenchments or staff reductions.
However, the forum noted that similar restructuring exercises across the media industry have often resulted in fewer journalists, greater workloads for those who remain and reduced editorial capacity.
Sanef has therefore called on Media24 to explain the purpose of the restructuring, outline its likely effect on employees and clarify how it intends to safeguard the quality, diversity and sustainability of journalism in South Africa.
The organisation said its concerns are amplified by the continued contraction of the country’s media industry and Media24’s own history of scaling back its operations.
It highlighted that the company has shut down several newspaper titles over recent years and significantly reduced its print presence, with the closure of City Press representing one of the most notable losses.
According to Sanef, these closures have eroded institutional knowledge and diminished the range of editorial perspectives available to the public.
Separately, the forum welcomed reports that employees at The Herald and The Dispatch in the Eastern Cape have finally received their outstanding salaries following days of uncertainty and financial hardship.
Even so, Sanef said it remains uneasy about the long-term future of the two newspapers and the security of newsroom staff following recent changes in ownership.
