New York Daily News Faces Layoffs Amid Industry Struggles
This week, the owners of the New York Daily News laid off 16 staff members in what some have called a “Valentine’s Day Massacre.” The cuts have left the publication feeling increasingly empty, reflecting ongoing challenges in the news sector.
Alden Global Capital, known for its controversial practices, confirmed on Thursday that six positions were eliminated from the national desk. This brings the total down to just four reporters focused on U.S. and international news, along with seven in print production, two in photography, and a subway reporter, according to insider reports.
The Daily News Union described Alden as a “parasite” in a statement, criticizing their handling of layoffs as embodying the true nature of a “newspaper destroyer.” They dubbed the cuts a “Valentine’s Day Massacre,” which highlights the distress of staff members.
“These layoffs stem from the awful corporate greed Alden is known for, executed with little regard for the Daily News’s future,” the union explained, also noting a troubling 28% decline in membership due to various departures.
Following the recent retirement of two senior reporters, the paper reportedly has around 16 reporters left covering subway news.
The editor-in-chief, Andrew Julian, recently addressed staff, stating that the newspaper would concentrate on local issues instead of outside crime stories. He affirmed that the Daily News will strive to highlight vital community topics even amid a tough, competitive market.
“We’re committed to our role as New York’s hometown newspaper,” Julian communicated, attempting to reassure staff amid ongoing layoffs.
As for subways and sports coverage, he mentioned that they would remain unaffected by recent staffing changes. However, it’s clear that these sections have already suffered from previous staff reductions and voluntary departures.
Staff reactions to the cuts have been overwhelmingly negative. One employee expressed frustration, saying, “The vampire owners of The News are trying to suck the life out of the paper.” Another noted the lack of key positions, like Metro editor, and criticized management for avoiding discussions about the layoffs.
The Daily News, in operation for 106 years and claiming to be “New York’s local newspaper,” was acquired by Alden Global Capital as part of a larger deal in 2021 involving Tribune Publishing for $633 million.
Since then, employee attrition has been high, with reports of 20% of newsroom staff leaving in a short span. The remaining staff are now required to seek approval for overtime, a change that signals deeper cuts.
In 2024, the publication even went on its first hiatus in three decades due to ongoing protests against what staff labeled “chronic cuts” by its hedge fund owners.
Alden has further cut costs by outsourcing printing operations and selling off a high-tech press previously located in Bayonne, New Jersey. During the pandemic, the Daily News also permanently closed its office in FiDi as part of a broader strategy to reduce expenses.
Though Alden Global Capital operates from a well-known building in Manhattan, the Daily News finds itself without a dedicated home, instead utilizing a few desks in a shared space.
These job cuts happen amid widespread upheaval in the news industry, with other major outlets, like The Washington Post and CBS News, also making significant reductions recently.
