The Associated Press has laid off 20 US-based journalists as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at shifting its focus away from traditional print journalism towards visual storytelling and alternative revenue streams, according to a report by AP.
The move forms part of a strategic overhaul announced last month to better align the organisation's operations with evolving customer demands, an AP spokesperson Patrick Maks said in an email, adding that the company is repositioning itself to cater to what its primary clients require today. He acknowledged that the decision to part ways with employees was difficult and stated that the organisation remains appreciative of their contributions while wishing them well.
While the AP did not disclose official figures, the News Media Guild, which represents its journalists, informed that 20 union-covered staff members had been affected by the layoffs.
The job cuts follow a voluntary buyout programme introduced roughly a month earlier, which was offered to more than 120 US-based journalists. Around 40 employees opted for the buyouts and were accepted, according to the guild.
Tony Winton, administrator of the News Media Guild, stated that the union received communication shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday from an AP human resources official indicating that layoffs would be implemented, with the same day marked as the employees' final working day. He added that no further details were provided in the communication.
Kimberlee Kruesi, an AP reporter and acting president of the guild, criticised the decision, stating that the cuts reflect a lack of clear direction within the organisation's leadership and highlighting that experienced photographers were among those laid off despite the company's stated emphasis on visual journalism.
Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president at the AP, had said in an interview last month that the organisation aimed to reduce its global workforce by less than five per cent, while maintaining that the company was not facing financial distress. She explained that the restructuring was being undertaken from a position of strength in order to respond to a changing customer base.
Over the past four years, revenue from newspapers has declined by 25 per cent, reflecting broader industry trends. Major newspaper publishers Gannett and McClatchy discontinued their association with the AP in 2024.
At the same time, the organisation's client base has shifted significantly towards broadcasters, digital platforms and technology companies. Kristin Heitmann, senior vice president and chief revenue officer, stated last month that revenue from technology companies has grown by 200 per cent over the same period, underscoring the AP's transition towards newer media ecosystems.
First Published on May 22, 2026, 16:07:02 IST
