Pacific Magazines to outsource sub-editing, 22 staff impacted

Mediaweek last week reported on a negotiation process within Pacific Magazines about the future of its in-house sub-editors.

Initial talks have resulted with Pacific deciding to outsource its sub-editing to Pagemasters.

Pacific has told editorial teams concerned about the loss of individual sub-editors for their brands that Pagemasters has a custom built solution for Pacific, including a three-phase copy sub-editing process (first, second and third reads), with adherence to each titles' brand guidelines.

The transition period is expect to be as long as six weeks.

A total of 22 sub-editing staff are impacted by the change, with three of them remaining with Pacific. For the remaining 19 there could be an opportunity for employment at Pagemasters or redeployment within Pacific. The remaining staff will be eligible for a redundancy package.

Pacific had no comment about the decision yesterday, although we reported last week that CEO Gereurd Roberts told staff in an internal email:

“[These] decisions have not been easy to make, and 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.

“These changes will ensure that we continue to progress – that we have a profitable, financially secure business that is positioned to take advantage of all the opportunities that will present themselves in the future."