Postmedia to go digital-only for 12 Alberta papers

The following was released by The Canadian Press:

Postmedia is moving a dozen of its Alberta community newspapers to digital-only formats, eyeing more outsourcing deals for printing, laying off workers and selling the home of the Calgary Herald.

The moves were announced Wednesday in an internal memo to staff obtained by The Canadian Press that describes the measures as part of a “tremendous” transformation plan geared toward managing costs.

“Businesses everywhere have been facing similar pressures from a widespread economic contraction that has intensified over the past six months. We have seen this in technology, manufacturing, and in media,” said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia’s president and chief executive.

“That intensified pressure means that we must accelerate our transformation.”

Phyllise Gelfand, Postmedia’s vice-president of communications, confirmed the changes in an email to The Canadian Press, but would not offer any specifics.

MacLeod’s memo said the plan will result in an unspecified number of roles being eliminated across Postmedia over the coming months through hiring restrictions and layoffs.

“This is absolutely not a reflection on the hard work and contributions they have made to our company but rather an outcome of economic contraction that has affected so many companies globally and the inherent challenges of our industry,” he wrote.

MacLeod did not name the newspapers that will be making the switch to digital-only formats, but a dozen Postmedia titles carried notices Wednesday that told readers that their print versions would be ending. Those titles include the Airdrie Echo, Vermillion Standard, Cold Lake Sun, Peace Country News, Drayton Valley Western Review, Hanna Herald, Pincher Creek Echo, Bow Valley Crag and Canyon, Whitecourt Star, Leduc County Market, Cochrane Times and Fort McMurray Today.

MacLeod’s memo said the transition will take place on Feb. 27.