Media24 schneidet mehr Arbeitsplätze ab, da IOL Personal für die Expansion einstellt

Media24 has initiated a consultation process regarding a new editorial operating model, sparking fears of additional job cuts. The initiative, which commenced earlier in the week, is being overseen by Minette Ferreira, who currently serves as the chief executive of Media24’s Media division and will soon take on the role of the company’s overall chief executive. According to reports from News24, the move follows a broader strategy to enhance the long-term sustainability of the business amid persistent challenges in the media sector. Outgoing Media24 CEO Raj Lalbahadur stated that the consultations aim to reshape editorial management within the division. In a statement, he emphasized the goal of strengthening the business’s resilience in the face of declining traditional advertising revenues and the increasing shift of digital ad spending toward tech giants such as Google and Meta. “The aim is further to build future sustainability for the Media division,” Lalbahadur noted, highlighting the importance of the company’s platforms in supporting democratic discourse in South Africa. Though Media24 has not confirmed whether the consultations will lead to layoffs, the timing has raised concerns among employees, particularly given the company’s track record of restructuring and cost-cutting. Over the past two years, Media24 has undergone substantial changes, including the sale of logistics subsidiaries M24 Logistics and On the Dot, the disposal of community newspapers and sports titles such as Laduma and Kick Off, and the closure of several publications. These actions have included the shutdown of print editions of Beeld and Rapport, as well as the recent closure of the digital publication City Press. The company’s financial performance reflects these challenges, with a reported loss of around R260 million during the fiscal year ending March 2026. Parent company Naspers also revealed a 28% drop in revenue from the division during the second quarter of 2026. Ferreira is set to assume her new role on September 1, following Lalbahadur’s return to his former position as chief financial officer. In parallel, IOL has intensified its hiring efforts, employing more than 100 journalists and media professionals as part of its expansion strategy. This growth aligns with the broader objective of positioning IOL as South Africa’s leading news publisher. Despite reaching out to internal Media24 staff and the editor-in-chief for comments on the consultation process, all contacted individuals opted not to respond. The ongoing restructuring efforts underscore the evolving landscape of the media industry, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer habits. As Media24 continues to navigate these changes, the outcome of the consultation process will remain a focal point for both employees and stakeholders. The company has pledged to manage the process with care, adhering to labor laws and ensuring transparency throughout.