Reach, the UK’s largest commercial news publisher, has announced plans to reduce its editorial workforce by 220 positions. This restructuring follows a period of significant decline in online traffic across the company's portfolio, which includes national titles like the Mirror and Express, as well as numerous regional outlets such as the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo.

Management at Reach described the decision as a response to a "mammoth shift" in consumer behavior. The company noted that readers are increasingly bypassing traditional news websites in favor of AI-generated summaries, which provide information without requiring users to click through to the original source material. This change in consumption patterns has forced the publisher to re-evaluate its operational costs and digital strategy.

This latest round of layoffs is part of a broader trend of downsizing at the company. In September, Reach initiated a restructuring process that put approximately 600 roles at risk, eventually leading to significant staff reductions. The company is currently attempting to stabilize its business model as traditional advertising revenue and web traffic metrics continue to face headwinds from technological disruption.