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Events / Business / Associated Press Lays Off Journalists
Business layoffs

Associated Press Lays Off Journalists

Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported May 15, 2026 · Last updated May 15, 2026

Sentiment
-20
Attention
2
Articles
8
Market Impact
Direct
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard
Market Impact

The layoffs at Associated Press reflect a broader shift in the news media industry away from traditional print journalism towards digital and visual content, impacting the employment landscape for journalists. While Associated Press claims to be making these changes from a position of strength, the decline in revenue from traditional newspaper publishers like USA Today Co. and McClatchy highlights the financial pressures driving this restructuring.

News media Journalism
Event Summary

Associated Press laid off 20 U.S.-based journalists on Friday, following a restructuring plan announced last month. This move is part of a strategic shift to focus on visual journalism and other revenue sources, moving away from print journalism. The layoffs come after Associated Press offered buyouts to over 120 journalists, with about 40 accepting. News Media Guild, representing the journalists, criticized the leadership's direction, especially since experienced photographers were among those laid off. Associated Press's revenue from newspapers has declined by 25% over the past four years, with major publishers like USA Today Co. and McClatchy dropping their services in 2024. Conversely, Associated Press has seen a 200% growth in revenue from technology companies, indicating a changing customer base.

Key Actions
80 Associated Press offered buyouts
40 USA Today Co. dropped Associated Press
40 McClatchy dropped Associated Press
Entities Involved
ngo
Associated Press
Associated Press is undergoing a restructuring, shifting focus from print to visual journalism and other revenue sources, leading to layoffs of U.S.-based journalists.
Importance 100 Sentiment -20
per
Patrick Maks
Patrick Maks, a spokesman for Associated Press, confirmed the layoffs and explained they are part of a restructuring.
Importance 20 Sentiment 0
per
Tony Winton
Tony Winton, the administrator for News Media Guild, provided details on the timing and number of layoffs.
Importance 20 Sentiment 0
per
Kimberlee Kruesi
Kimberlee Kruesi, acting president of News Media Guild, criticized Associated Press's leadership regarding the layoffs.
Importance 20 Sentiment 0
per
Julie Pace
Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of Associated Press, stated the company's goal to reduce global staff by less than 5% and that Associated Press is not in trouble.
Importance 20 Sentiment 0
stock
USA Today Co.
USA Today Co., a traditional newspaper publisher, dropped Associated Press in 2024, contributing to Associated Press's declining revenue from newspapers.
Importance 10 Sentiment 0
priv
McClatchy
McClatchy, a traditional newspaper publisher, dropped Associated Press in 2024, contributing to Associated Press's declining revenue from newspapers.
Importance 10 Sentiment 0
per
Kristin Heitmann
Kristin Heitmann, senior vice president and chief revenue officer of Associated Press, noted the 200% growth in revenue from technology companies.
Importance 10 Sentiment 0
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