Associated Press confirms U.S. journalist layoffs tied to restructuring

The Associated Press confirmed Friday that it is laying off an unspecified number of U.S.-based journalists, a move tied to a restructuring announced last month that shifts the organization’s focus away from print coverage toward visual journalism and other revenue sources. AP said the layoffs are intended to align operations with what it described as changing customer needs.

In an email, AP spokesman Patrick Maks said the staff reductions were part of the company’s announced restructuring and that AP is adjusting to the demands of its largest customers. He declined to provide the number of jobs affected and did not say whether the layoffs concluded on Friday. Maks wrote that it is “never easy to part ways with valued colleagues,” adding that the organization appreciates their contributions.

The News Media Guild, the union representing AP journalists, said it did not know how many employees were being laid off. Union officials said they received an email from an AP human resources official shortly before 10 a.m. Friday indicating the company planned to implement layoffs, with Friday listed as the last day of work for affected staff. The union said it has asked AP for details,...