PinkNews, a prominent LGBTQ+ media organisation, is planning a major restructuring that will see it move to a 'reporter-free newsroom', leading to significant redundancies within its editorial team. This information comes from a report by QueerAF, which states the brand has begun a consultation placing all editorial staff at risk.
The consultation process, initiated this week, informed journalists of the planned shift in operational model. QueerAF understands at least one staff member has opted for voluntary redundancy, and the company has confirmed four roles are currently at risk. Internal communications suggest there will be few, if any, alternative positions for the affected journalists within the new structure.
In a statement provided to QueerAF, PinkNews Chief Operating Officer Anthony James said, "PinkNews is evolving how we produce and publish content - not what we produce." He clarified that the roles at risk are within the website editorial team and described the changes as "structural: improving coordination across teams and reducing duplication in how content is produced and published."
However, sources close to the process have expressed concern that the new model may lead to a greater reliance on repackaged press releases, advertorials, and clickbait to maintain its website's content flow. It is understood that the brand's audience and production teams, which manage social media content and its substantial Snapchat channels, are not part of this redundancy consultation.
This strategic shift occurs as PinkNews navigates changing media habits and continues to face serious, long-denied allegations concerning its senior team, including claims of bullying and inappropriate workplace conduct. The brand has also been experimenting with AI-generated voiceovers for its video content in recent years.
The move has raised questions about the future of its original journalism, as the site has recently begun publishing the short social media captions created by its audience team directly onto its website.
