The South African National Editors’ Forum says it is deeply concerned by the ongoing waves of retrenchments at media houses across the country, now also taking place at Primedia.
The body has called on the government to make good on its promise to look into ways to support the media industry.
Sanef’s Mary Papaya, says this was a promise made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his engagement with SANEF at the end of May.
She says Sanef has put some measures in place, including a relief fund, to assist those journalists affected by retrenchments.
Media24
Earlier this month Media24 announced a possible closure of five magazines and two newspapers due to the impact of coronavirus on an industry that was already struggling before the pandemic hit SA.
Media24 says around 510 staff members are expected to be affected, with a proposed reduction of close on 660 positions out of a total staff complement of some 2 900.
In the Eastern Cape, Media24 is considering closing 'Son' newspaper and to publish 'Die Burger Oos Kaap' as weekday digital editions only.
The iconic DRUM magazine will also be digital-only, going forward whilst the company is considering closing Men's Health, Women's Health, Move!, Bicycling and Runner's World.
Caxton
In May, Caxton announced that it has begun a process of withdrawing from magazine publishing and associated businesses.
It said the decision was unavoidable citing declining ad spend and circulation revenue over the years, as well as the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on the ability of the business to trade normally.
The magazine titles affected include Bona, Garden & Home, People, Rooi Rose, and Your Family.
