The newspaper publisher billed as Britain's largest independent regional news company is planning a massive restructure, with the potential loss of 76 jobs.
The Midland News Association (or MNA Media) is to axe staff across all departments - 12 in editorial, 12 in advertising, 21 in circulation and 12 in transport - at its Express & Star titles.
HoldTheFrontPage reports that the company is also considering transforming its flagship dailies to overnight publication.
NMA's managing director Phil Inman told staff of the plans yesterday and explained in a posting on the company's website that the restructure was necessary in order to enhance revenues from its digital offering.
In a letter to staff reported by HoldTheFrontPage, Inman said: "The group must be structured to create a sustainable business for the future...
"The Express & Star and Shropshire Newspapers have strong futures where they will remain the leading publishers in their markets but we must consider new ways of operating that better reflect the change in people's lives. This will necessitate significant investment to strengthen the digital operation."
It is sobering to reflect that two years ago, in May 2012, the Express & Star's executive editor, Mark Drew, told readers: "The main focus of our operation each day is the printed newspaper and I think that will be the same 10 years from now".
Print sales of the Express & Star - Britain's largest-selling regional daily - averaged 82,448 copies a day in the second half of 2013, down 12% on the year. The Shropshire Star sold 39,168 in the same period, more than 15% down.
Sources: HoldTheFrontPage/Press Gazette
