Mumbrella reduces staffing due to COVID-19 crisis
Mumbrella has become the latest publisher to reduce staff hours in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
A significant portion of Mumbrella’s revenue comes from event ticket sales and sponsorships.
Mumbrella360 cannot go ahead in June
Flagship event Mumbrella360, due to take place at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel in June, cannot proceed as planned. Mumbrella360, along with Mumbrella’s extensive portfolio of other events and training days, have been postponed until the crisis is over.
Mumbrella’s parent company Diversified Communications mainly organises industry exhibitions, which is another sector hard hit by the crisis. Across Diversified, working hours have been reduced by at least 20% per employee, with about 30% of Australian staff temporarily stood down.
Mumbrella’s editor Vivienne Kelly assured Mumbrella readers that the editorial and content teams will continue to keep them informed throughout a key moment in the industry’s recent history.
“Just like our many peers across the media who have already faced reductions in hours and continued to deliver for their audiences, we’re determined to keep our readers informed during this defining moment,” she said.
The measures are in place until 30 June
Australia’s media industry has been hit by reduced consumer confidence and business spending in recent weeks, with many companies taking similar measures in a bid to preserve jobs and ensure longevity.
Seven implemented 20% pay cuts for staff, with those at lower levels taking a corresponding reduction in hours. Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) requested staff take leave in addition to a 10% pay reduction, and Australian Radio Network (ARN) also reduced hours and pay by 20%. News Corp, too, has looked to shorter work weeks and “significant pay cuts” to weather the storm.
Advertising and media agency holding group WPP AUNZ recently also extended its pay cut request to the wider team.
Sorry to hear the distress has extended to Mumbrella. Sad and desperate days, but let’s hope the comeback is as strong as some are suggesting.
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