Telegraph ‘to cut up to 100 jobs’ in plans to become ‘AI-powered media business’

The Telegraph is preparing to make redundancies as part of a strategy to convert the outlet into a “global, AI-powered” media and intelligence business.

This follows the publication’s £575 million acquisition by German media giant Axel Springer earlier this summer.

According to The Guardian, up to 100 positions will be cut, with the sports and culture departments severely affected.

In a message sent on Friday morning, employees were informed that “difficult choices” had been made “for the future of the business”.

Carolin Hulshoff Pol, chief executive of Telegraph Media Group (TMG), said: “During the sale process, The Telegraph had limited ability to invest, adapt and move at the pace the market demanded.

“Our ambition is to transform The Telegraph from a leading British newspaper into a global, AI-powered premium media and intelligence business – built on trusted journalism, direct relationships with our audiences and expertise that sets us apart.

“To deliver on this ambition, we need to change how we are organised, how decisions are made, where we focus our resources and create efficiencies. We need clearer accountability, faster decision-making and a simpler, more effective organisation.

“Today marks the start of a formal consultation process. These are difficult choices that we believe are necessary for the future of the business.”

The Telegraph came under new ownership in June after a turbulent three years attempting to secure a long-term future for the brand.

Axel Springer previously said the completion of the deal will allow it to accelerate the “digital transformation” of the Telegraph, use AI for growth and to expand further into the US market.

Speaking at the time, Chris Evans, editor-in-chief of the Telegraph, said: “We believe there are many opportunities to grow the Telegraph both in the UK and overseas.

“After three difficult years without owners, we look forward to stoking up the engines and setting forth on a new voyage.”

Axel Springer also owns Politico and Business Insider.

Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner said: “Today is a day we have worked towards for a long time, and one we will always remember.

“Axel Springer was founded in 1946 under a British press licence, and the Telegraph was our North Star.

“Axel Springer and the Telegraph share strong commitments to freedom, values, a tradition of embracing and pioneering technological change, and an entrepreneurial will to actively shape the future.”