Jobs are disappearing as journalism transitions over to a world filled with new media.
Numerous reports say the Chicago Sun-Times informed 28 people of its photography staff on Thursday that they were being laid off effective immediately.
The paper plans on using its staff reporters' smart phones to snap photos of their assignments. The Sun-Times also plans on using freelance photographers and wire services.
Before the cuts, the paper had about 150 editorial staff members.
Earlier this month, the newspaper also laid off several editors in its suburban operations, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Sun-Times released the following statement:
"The Sun-Times business is changing rapidly and our audiences are consistently seeking more video content with their news. We have made great progress in meeting this demand and are focused on bolstering our reporting capabilities with video and other multimedia elements. The Chicago Sun-Times continues to evolve with our digitally savvy customers, and as a result, we have had to restructure the way we manage multimedia, including photography, across the network."
Reportedly, the laid off staff members are not leaving without a fight.
The Newspaper Guild, which represents photographers at the paper, said it would fight the action, Forbes reported. The union is in the process of negotiating new contracts.
The layoffs are a recurring trend in the journalism community. As digital media has evolved print media has seen a decrease in revenue, struggling in keep their publications afloat.
To adjust to the new era, newspaper publications are looking for multi-platform reporters who are able to write, shoot photos and create graphics. All of these roles were once dedicated to a particular newspaper staff member.
According to Forbes, "the action is the latest in a series of cost-cutting moves by the paper, which has struggled for decades to survive in Chicago's rugged media landscape."
