Alabama Media Group Cuts Staff in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Moblie

Associated Press | August 19, 2015

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The Alabama Media Group is laying off at least 15 people total at its three main hubs in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile.

The company announced the cutbacks Tuesday. It’s the second round of cuts this year.

A written statement says five to nine full-time journalists are being terminated in each city as the company tries to align its journalism with consumer demands. A staff memo says cutbacks were necessary in areas with smaller audience interest.

The company says 136 journalists were working at Al.com, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times, and the Mobile Press-Register before the cuts.

The statement says the remaining staff members will concentrate on investigative reporting, breaking news, high school and college sports, and Alabama life and culture.

Alabama Media Group is being combined with the New Orleans-based NOLA Media Group in a move announced in June. The new Southeast Regional Media Group launches later this year.