Financial Times to merge print, Web operations

Mimicking a decision by The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times is combining its print and Internet operations, which could mean the loss of 50 jobs, according to an Associated Press story.

The AP story states, “‘The FT has long been a pioneer in forging an integrated online and print newsroom, with Web-first publishing and a unified editorial department,’ the newspaper’s editor, Lionel Barber, said in a statement. ‘Now we must take the next step.’

“The 50 jobs that may be cut at the Financial Times represent 10 percent of the editorial staff.

“The Financial Times said it would create single newspaper/Web news desks, an interactive content team, and a production structure for integrating print and online publishing. It said it would also train writers to develop their multimedia skills.

“The changes follow Pearson’s appointment of its former chief financial officer, Rona Fairhead, as CEO of the FT Group in May.”

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