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Chicago-based tronc Inc., which acquired the New York Daily News from real estate investor Mort Zuckerman for $1 in 2017, is axing the tabloid’s editorial staff by 50 percent in what it calls a restructuring move.
“We are re-focusing our talent on breaking news, especially in the areas of crime, civil justice and public responsibility,” said a statement from tronc.
Jim Rich, editor-in-chief, is among the cutbacks. Robert York, e-i-c of tronc’s Morning Call in Allentown, will replace Rich on July 30.
Tronc says the cutbacks “reflect the realities of our business and the need to adapt to an ever-changing media environment.”
In welcoming the Daily News to its roster, tronc pitched it as “another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers.”
Tronc acquired the Virginian-Pilot in May and closed on the sale of the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Times Union-Tribune in July.
It still owns the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Hartford Courant, Orlando Sentinel, Sun-Sentinel and Daily Press (Virginia).
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