Two more local newspapers in Norway have joined those that are chopping jobs in an effort to save money at a time of rapidly declining circulation.
Asker og Bærums Budstikka, which serves the affluent areas of Asker and Bærum west of Oslo, announced Thursday that it was eliminating 20 more jobs in addition to the 10 already cut recently. Chief executive Terje Tandberg said all employees would receive the offer of a severance package, a move aimed at avoiding layoffs. The suburban paper is also considering going from afternoon to morning distribution.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Oslo, Østlandets Blad (ØB), which covers the towns of Ski, Ås, Oppegård and Vestby south of the capital, is cutting its number of daily editions. Newspaper Journalisten reported that subscribers to ØB received a letter informing them that the paper, which now comes out six days a week, will only publish three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) beginning next week.Paid subscriptions will be extended to offset the loss. ØB has been put up for sale after a merger involving its owner.
The newspaper cuts follow news this week that the much larger paper Aftenposten is cutting as many as 150 jobs because of declines in circulation and advertising revenue.
Views and News staff
