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Northcliffe Digital restructures ‘Local People’websites network with loss of around 75 freelance publisher roles

By Hamish Mackay

June 8, 2012 | 2 min read

Northcliffe Digital has announced the restructuring of its network of ‘Local People’ websites with a net loss of around 75 freelance publisher roles.

The company currently employs around 100 community publishers on a freelance basis - each with responsibility for an individual Local People portal.

All the existing community publishers were told yesterday that their contracts would not be renewed after the end of August.

According to media website, HoldTheFrontPage, the company will also create around 25 new freelance community publisher roles, based in locations where the company has an existing local newspaper.

12 of these roles are being advertised on HTFP already, mainly based across the South West, North East, South East and East Midlands.

The company will also offer 20 Local People sites as franchises.

The company said in a statement: “Northcliffe Digital has conducted a review of Local People sites. From August 2012, dedicated community publishers will be appointed to look after a portfolio of Local People sites that sit within Northcliffe Media’s overall footprint.

“The current publishing structure uses one freelance contractor per site. These contracts will expire in August.

“This approach means Local People will have the benefit of more experienced publishers covering a broader remit and will streamline the running of the business.

“Local People sites that sit outside Northcliffe’s footprint will be made available as franchises. There are no other immediate plans to make changes to the sites.”

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