AZ Medien cuts jobs

The employees of AZ Medien were informed today that various cost-cutting measures have been initiated due to the continuing tense economic situation, declining sales and, in particular, reduced advertising revenues. In this context, it was decided to cut 26 jobs across the Group, according to the statement. All areas are affected. The reductions will be achieved mainly through natural attrition and voluntary staff reductions, according to Tuesday's statement. Six jobs, on the other hand, were eliminated through layoffs. AZ Medien is represented at over 13 locations and has more than 1,000 employees.

Syndicom with restrained criticism

In a statement on Tuesday, the Syndicom trade union stressed that it was aware of the difficult economic environment in which the media were operating due to shrinking advertising revenues. However, the union recalls the profit of 1.4 million Swiss francs made by AZ Medien in 2015 and expects a locally anchored media company to live up to its social responsibility in the region and to protect its staff. Syndicom is particularly annoyed by the fact that the cuts are reportedly also being made in areas that are indispensable for ensuring the quality of journalistic performance. The proofreading department, for example, is said to be affected. Syndicom warns that if family-owned companies, which are positioned without excessive profit motives, get into economic difficulties over a longer period of time, it is definitely time to think about direct media subsidies. In order to ensure strict editorial independence, there are proven models in other European countries. (hae/pd)