After increasing in 2020, layoffs at large U.S. newspapers and digital news sites declined in 2021
In 2021, 11% of high-circulation newspapers experienced layoffs, compared with three times that share the year before (33%).
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Media Layoffs & Employment
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Media Layoffs & Employment
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About one-in-six U.S. journalists at news outlets are part of a union; many more would join one if they could
41% of U.S. journalists who are employed at least part time at a news outlet say they would join a union if it were available to them.
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Journalists Sense Turmoil in Their Industry Amid Continued Passion for Their Work
A survey of U.S.-based journalists finds 77% would choose their career all over again, though 57% are highly concerned about future restrictions on press freedom.
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In some states, students account for a large and growing share of statehouse reporters
In Missouri, 51% of all reporters covering the state capitol this year – 26 of 51 – are students.
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Total Number of U.S. Statehouse Reporters Rises, but Fewer Are on the Beat Full Time
The total number of journalists assigned to state capitol buildings is up 11% since 2014, though figures vary widely by state. And as newspapers employ fewer statehouse reporters, nonprofits are filling much of the void.
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The number of full-time statehouse reporters at U.S. newspapers has declined 34% since 2014
There are 245 newspaper reporters who cover the statehouse full time in 2022 in the United States, down from 374 in 2014.
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U.S. newsroom employment has fallen 26% since 2008
While newspapers have seen steep job losses from 2008 to 2020, digital-native news organizations have seen considerable gains.
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A third of large U.S. newspapers experienced layoffs in 2020, more than in 2019
Staff layoffs continued to pummel the beleaguered U.S. newspaper industry in 2020, a period complicated by the impact of the pandemic.
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Nearly 2,800 newspaper companies received paycheck protection loans, and most were under $150K
Though this figure is a sliver of all PPP loans lent out to small businesses as of August, it represents a large segment of U.S. newspaper companies.
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10 charts about America’s newsrooms
Mergers, closures and layoffs have affected many media organizations. Here are 10 charts on the state of newsroom employment in the U.S. today.
