Pacific Magazines considers outsourcing subbing to Pagemasters

The discussions are expected to culminate on Thursday

Gereurd Roberts

All media companies, and in particular print media, are reviewing costs as they strive to maintain quality, but with a smaller investment.

That process is under way this week at Pacific Magazines which has launched negotiations with staff over changes to the business model. Pacific publishes the weeklies New Idea, That’s Life! and Who in addition to monthly titles including marie claire, Better Homes & Gardens, InStyle, Home Beautiful and Women’s Health.

Mediaweek has seen an internal email from CEO Gereurd Roberts that has told staff about “consultations with sub-editors across all brands about a proposal to outsource copy sub-editing to an external business, Pagemasters. These discussions are expected to culminate on Thursday.”

The email continued:

“The proposal includes a subbing solution which will be custom built for Pacific – one using staff with expertise in the categories in which we operate, which mirrors our own current three-phase sub-editing process (first, second and third reads), and will ensure strict adherence to our brand guidelines.

“Should the proposal proceed, a small team of copy directors/sub-editors will remain at Pacific, while some of our sub-editors may be employed by Pagemasters. We will keep you updated as these discussions progress.

“Outside of this proposal, 11 other positions were affected today in various areas of the business.”

Roberts added that many of the decisions have not been easy to make:

“I know they will be difficult for many of you also. They are in no way a reflection of the tremendous work, commitment and care these team members have always shown. They were taken only after all options were thoroughly considered, and once determined, it was imperative that we acted now to ensure we stayed well ahead of the challenges that many industries face, including ours.”

Pacific Magazines is expected to soon reveal a new strategy and vision for the business setting a road map for 2018 and beyond.

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