Cuts in TV as well as text

Not only is Reuters text service suffering from cuts in London. Here in Reuters TV we have seen producer positions cut, fewer stories being processed, staff off sick, taking sabbaticals or leaving with no job to go to, huge demoralisation, an over-reliance on freelancers who are themselves thoroughly annoyed at the despicable way the company is treating them to avoid being hung out to dry by HMRC. Many regular freelancers have left for pastures new: five long term in as many weeks, and others are looking for a way out.

As serious news gives way to social media, the future is bleak. Jobs are being moved offshore to a new production centre in Gdynia in an attempt to reduce costs as traditional media outlets cut contracts.

And to cap it all, there is now a plague of mice infesting the fourth floor and Rentokil have been called in. 

Staff-management relations are marked by anger and distrust. Staff are demoralised with little hope for the future.

A very sad endgame for a once mighty and respected name. ■