Hearst Magazines Slashes Jobs, Sparks Outrage From Writers Guild

Hearst Magazines, home to brands like Elle, Esquire, and Cosmopolitan, has announced it will conduct layoffs, which are aimed at reallocating resources to support digital innovation while reinforcing its print products. 

Exact numbers and impacted departments were not disclosed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines, explained in a memo that the company is reallocating resources to focus on digital innovation while strengthening print products. 

Some positions will be eliminated as part of a restructuring to prioritize high-impact areas for long-term growth, particularly in content creation and digital experiences.

Sam Wheeler, Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America East, condemned the layoffs, calling them “needless, irresponsible, and cruel.” 

He criticized Hearst’s decision to reduce editorial staff while senior executives seemed unaffected. 

“Readers go to Hearst because of the talent and craft of its editorial employees. These workers make Hearst what it is,” Wheeler stated, emphasizing the importance of editorial workers in building the company’s brand.

Chirichella highlighted other ongoing changes at Hearst, like their digital advancements, including the launch of AURA, a new subscription platform, and expanded global presence, particularly through the Hearst Global Solutions team in London.

Hearst’s decision follows a broader trend of layoffs in the media industry, with publishers seeking to adapt to the digital age while facing challenges in print revenue, using cost-cutting measures that are increasingly targeting editorial teams.