The Associated Press (AP) confirmed on Friday that it is laying off an unspecified number of U.S.-based journalists, part of a broader restructuring announced last month. The news agency is pivoting away from print journalism toward visual journalism and other revenue streams.
Restructuring Details
Patrick Maks, an AP spokesman and director of media relations and corporate communications, stated in an email that the layoffs are part of a restructuring to align operations with customer needs. He declined to provide specific numbers or confirm whether the layoffs would conclude on Friday. "It's never easy to part ways with valued colleagues. We are appreciative of their contributions to the AP and wish them all the best," Maks wrote.
Background and Impact
The layoffs come roughly a month after AP offered buyouts to over 120 U.S.-based journalists. According to the News Media Guild, which represents AP journalists, about 40 employees volunteered and were accepted. The guild stated it does not know the total number of journalists being laid off, but Friday marked their final day of work.
Tony Winton, the guild's administrator, said the union received an email from an AP human resources official just before 10 a.m. Friday, announcing the layoffs and that the last day of work was that day. No further details were provided. "The Guild has asked the AP for details. We will stand by our members and ensure that all contract rights under our collective bargaining agreement with AP are protected," Winton said.
Strategic Shift
Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of the AP, said in an interview last month that the goal is to reduce the global staff by less than 5%. The company does not disclose its total number of journalists. Pace emphasized that the AP "is not in trouble" and that the changes are being made from a position of strength to adapt to a changing customer base.
Over the past four years, AP's revenue from newspapers has declined by 25%. Gannett and McClatchy, two major traditional newspaper publishers, dropped AP in 2024. Meanwhile, AP's customers are now dominated by broadcast, digital, and technology companies. Kristin Heitmann, senior vice president and chief revenue officer, noted last month that revenue from technology companies has grown by 200% over the same period.
Former AP media writer David Bauder contributed to this report.
